common german jewish surnames

The gazelle was the symbol of the tribe of Naphtali. Some German-speaking Jews took last names as early as the 17th century, but the overwhelming majority of Jews lived in Eastern Europe and did not take last names until compelled to do so. Alterman. And the Cabots speak Yiddish, by God! This biblical surname comes from the Book of Joshua where it is the name of a mountain. It is a Germanic form of Cohen, a priest who serves at a Jewish temple. This city had a large Jewish population in medieval ages. This surname is an ornamental name composed of the word gold and the German word baum meaning tree., It is a toponymic name referring to someone who belonged to the town of Goldberg in Germany. Baron: Baronstein, Barron, Baran, Baren, Barret, Barrett, Fleischer: Fleischman, Fleishchmann, Fleischhacker, Guttman: Gutman, Gutmann, Goodman, Goodmann, Hirsch: Herz, Hersch, Hertz, Hertzfield, Hershfield, Horowitz: Horovitz, Horwitz, Hurwitz, Hurewicz, Gurvich. They are popular name choices for both Je, Palindrome names, or names that are spelled the same forward and backward, are fun to use and say. Pescara - The following two tabs change content below. Castiglioni - Verona - It is derived from the Hebrew word shachat for butcher. The surname is thus an occupational one. Corini -, Fano - A good explanation and a list of localities covered are found in Edlund, Thomas Kent. Torino - Governments started giving out names to collect taxes or enlist individuals in the military. A version of this post originally appeared on Jewish Currents. She also specializes in baby names. It is an ornamental name derived from the German word himmel meaning heaven., This is an Ashkenazi Jewish name derived from the Yiddish word hirsh meaning deer.. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitution for professional health services. Here, it signifies a house with a red sign. Muggia -, Napolitano - David ben (son of) Jesse, or Miriam bat (daughter of) Aaron). Genovesi - Jews did not use surnames in ancient times. For the commonest surnames here on Familypedia, see Familypedia:Reports. Voghera - It is an ornamental name derived from the Yiddish elements finkl meaning sparkle and stein meaning stone.. Jewish surnames are thought to be of comparatively recent origin; the first known Jewish family names date to the Middle Ages, in the 10th and 11th centuries CE. With Jewish surnames, these clues are even more valuable because of the many diasporas that scattered the Jewish people from their ancient homeland and later settlements to points throughout the world. It means sugarman in German and referred to a Jewish family line that were confectioners. Pisa - Family names can be unique or come in large numbers. Terracina - With some earnest searching, you will find plenty of information available about Jewish surnames. The surname of famous American comedian, Jerry Seinfeld. The website Behind the Name has a list of the 1,000 most common names in the U.S. All contents 2023 The Slate Group LLC. Jews distrusted the authorities and resisted the new requirement. Montagnana - Mondolfo - Surnames of occupational origin include: Chazan [Cantor], Gabbai [synagogue official], Dayan [rabbinic judge], Coffen [Cohen], Tibbon [straw merchant], Sebag [black], Rofe [doctor], and Del Medigo [of medicine]. It can be occupational, habitational, or even geographical. -- Historical Jewish surnames in Germany before the 17th century. From the Yiddish personal name,Liberman, literally beloved man. Piperno - A Lithuanian Jewish and Belarusian Jewish name, it is a Slavicized form of Levy. It is the variant of the surname Polonsky. This name likely refers to someone who came from any of the several places called Polonnoe in Ukraine or Polonka and Polonsk in Belarus. This is a toponymic name for someone who came from the city of Hamburg in Germany. Jewish names deriving from Biblical or Mishanic Hebrew. Jewish family names from non-Jewish languages included: Sender/Saunders from Alexander; Kagan descended from the Khazars, a Turkic-speaking people from Central Asia; Kelman/Kalman from the Greek name Kalonymous, the Greek translation of the Hebrew shem tov (good name), popular among Jews in medieval France and Italy; Marcus/Marx from Latin, referring to the pagan god Mars. A status surname derived from the German, "schultheize," combining "scold" (debt due) and "heizzan" (to command) andschultheize. Dutch Meerten Institute confirms name origin. 4. Urbino - Goldman: a popular choice among Austrian Jews for its beautiful connotation "gold" and "man" Goldschmidt: this Germanic name refers to an ancestor who worked as a goldsmith Green: adopting colors as surnames was popular among Austro-Hungarian Jews Ferrara - A variation of the Hebrew word for priest, "kohein," refers to descendants of Aaron. Thus, it is an ornamental surname. This name likely comes from the Arabic word sabagh that means dyer. The name would have referred to someone whose ancestors had the occupation of dying clothes and other materials. The large number of Turkish immigrants to Germany accounts for the frequency of Turkish surnames. Cavalieri (Piemonte) - This is an ornamental name derived from the German word berg meaning hill or mountain. It is also used as a short form for surnames with berg as the final element. The website Behind the Name has a list of the 1,000 most common names in the U.S. . The Polish national hero Kociuszko shared his surname with a Jewish family in northeastern Poland. It comes from the Jewish word kohen meaning priest. This surname is derived from the priestly family line who served at Jewish temples in ancient times. Its origins are both Yiddish and German, so named for a red stone, such as a garnet or ruby circle. It is an elaborative form of the Yiddish word shul meaning synagogue. This surname was adopted by those who came from a family line of Shamash, who is a Sexton (warden or caretaker) of a synagogue. A Jewish person with descendants from apy in northeastern Poland or Lapino in Belarus. It is the German word for bird. The name is a metonymic occupational name for a bird-catcher or someone who took care of birds. Possibly a topographical or occupational surname for someone living by or looking after a fish trap. It is the root of the Ashkenazic last name Tauber. Good(man) Yiddish translation of the Hebrew word for good: tuviah. Americanized form of surnames with variations of the German word for deer, "hirsch. The name is derived from the German word lehrer or Yiddish lerer, both meaning teacher., It comes from the Yiddish word leyb meaning lion.. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. It is the Yiddish word for flower and may have been a toponymic or occupational name. Wolf is the root of the Ashkenazic last names Wolfson, Wouk, and Volkovich. She uses her personal experience and expertise to guide readers in various topics. This explains the use of patronymics and matronymics., In Yiddish or German, son would be denoted by son or sohn or er. In most Slavic languages, like Polish or Russian, it would be wich or witz.. It means blue in German. Montecorboli - 5. Most Jewish last names end with ler, berg, feld, stein, and witz. It is a variant of the name Halpern that is a toponymic name for the inhabitants of Heilbronn city in Germany. This is a variant spelling for Fischer which is an occupational name for fisherman. Knig Meaning: King. InYiddish, "zetser" means a "typesetter.". This surname is topographical, possibly indicating someone who lived near a field, and had permission to let his livestock graze on said field. Guten tag! It is the Hebrew word for charm, brilliance or radiance., This is an ornamental name derived from Germanic elements zucker meaning sugar and berg meaning mountain.. Surnames of place origin include: Toledano, Cordoza, Espinoza, and de Castro. Livoli - It is the German word for a scribe or a writer. The name could also have been derived from the Yiddish word shreyber that means scribe., This surname is made from the German elements schwarz meaning black and berg meaning hill or mountain. The toponymic name thus means black mountain.. A common Jewish surname in Russia. All rights reserved. Torinesi - Abraham (also variations including Abramovich, Avraham, Abrahams, Abrams, Abramoff, Abramsky, Abramson, Abramzada and Ben Avraham) - These names recall the first patriarch Abraham, who brought monotheism to the world and established a covenant with God. Occasionally, it indicates a rabbi, but not always. This toponymic name is a variation of Trevis, which was among the old names of the city of Trier in present-day Germany. 2. The . The Yiddish form of "Nuremberg." Jewish last names are a relatively new phenomenon, historically speaking. Daniel. Carpi - Aaronson Literally "son of Aaron." 2. Pereira Origin: Sephardi Meaning: Pear tree. 100 Very Feminine And Girly Names For Baby Girls, 100 Most Popular Russian Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings, 100 Common Polish Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings, 25 Unusual Mountain Inspired Names For Boys And Girls, https://www.anumuseum.org.il/databases/family-names/jewish-family-names-introduction/, 107 Festive Themed Christmas Baby Names For Boys And Girls, 100 Amazing Short Baby Girl Names With Meanings, 100 Sweet AndShort Names For BoysWith Meanings, 150 Traditional And Popular Dutch Last names Or surnames, 55 Most Popular Chilean Baby Names for Girls and Boys, 148 Funny Last Names Or Surnames From Across The World, 133 Most Fascinating Sudanese Names For Baby Boys And Girls, 250 Traditional And Classy French Last Names Or Surnames, 100 Scandinavian Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings, 100 Latest Somali Names For Girls And Boys With Meanings, 150 Most Common Croatian Surnames, With Meanings, 34 Spectacular And Popular Star Wars Baby Names, 85 Cool Beachy Or Surfer Baby Names For Boys And Girls, 50 Lord Venkateshwara Names For Baby Boy, With Meanings, 120 Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames, 60 Eclectic And Popular Eritrean Baby Names For Girls And Boys, 50 Amazing Animal Inspired Baby Names For Girls And Boys, The Memi De-Shalit Database of Jewish Family Names at ANU Museum of the Jewish People; Museum of the Jewish People. One doesn't have to be fluent in Yiddish to be familiar with the term, "mensch." Other place-based Jewish names include: Auerbach/Orbach; Bacharach; Berger (generic for townsman); Berg (man), meaning from a hilly place; Bayer from Bavaria; Bamberger; Berliner, Berlinsky . Finally, there may have been Jewish names changed or shortened by immigration inspectors (though this is disputed) or by immigrants themselves (or their descendants) to sound more American, which is why Sean Ferguson was a Jew. This surname is an anglicized spelling of the name Chayat that is derived from the Yiddish word khayet meaning tailor.. Roma - According to the website, Behind the Name, "For an unknown reason, Jewish immigrants who passed through the port at Baltimore had their names changed to Caplan, while the Jewish immigrants who passed through Ellis Island retained the original K spelling.". Tivoli - Others include: Aaron Aronson, Aronoff; Asher; Benjamin; David Davis, Davies; Ephraim Fishl; Emanuel Mendel; Isaac Isaacs, Isaacson/Eisner; Jacob Jacobs, Jacobson, Jacoby; Judah Idelsohn, Udell,Yudelson; Mayer/Meyer; Menachem Mann, Mendel; Reuben Rubin; Samuel Samuels, Zangwill; Simon Schimmel; Solomon Zalman. Reflecting the prominence of Jewish women in business, some families made last names out of womens first names: Chaiken son of Chaikeh; Edelman husband of Edel; Gittelman husband of Gitl; Glick or Gluck may derive from Glickl, a popular womans name as in the famous Glickl of Hameln, whose memoirs, written around 1690, are an early example of Yiddish literature. Some examples include- Brownstein, Adler, and Cronenberg. It is the root of many Ashkenazic last names, including Liebowitz, Lefkowitz, Lebush, and Leon. It is an ornamental surname composed of the German words winter meaning winter and stein meaning stone., This name is composed of the German words wohl meaning well-being and berg meaning hill or mountain., It is a Jewish pet version of Jacob. The name Jacob is derived from Hebrew name Yaakov meaning supplanter.. Jeismann/Jeisman variant of Eismann=Eisenmann. you generally can't identify Jewish ancestry by a surname alone. For example, the surname Segal means "assistant Levite," or someone that serves as an assistant to a priest in a Jewish temple. Mean "gift of God." Many modern American Jews will give their children a Hebrew name in addition to their personal names. This is an ornamental personal name and means fig tree in German. An Ashkenazic (a Jew of eastern European or German descent) Jew. Find your last name and learn about its meaning and origins. Ashkenazic Jews were among the last Europeans to take family names. A popular surname in the Sephardic (a Jewish diaspora population associated with the Iberian Peninsula) culture. The home of the bean and the cod. The surname borne by American singer and actress, Barbra Streisand. Schfer/Schaefer Meaning: Shepherd. Servi - It is an ornamental name composed of the German words spiegel meaning mirror and berg meaning mountain., This toponymic Jewish surname originated from the German words stein meaning stone and bach meaning stream or a creek.. Boys commonly were baptized with the first name Johannes (or Johann, often abbreviated Joh ). Schio - Rovighi -, Saravalle (Veneto) - In the Hebrew scriptures, God gives Jacob this name, because he wrestled with an angel of God. The Nazis had eliminated Jewish names from the German spelling alphabet. From Baden-Wuerttemburg in the south to Schleswig-Holstein in the north. From the Yiddish name, "kopl," a pet name for Jakob. The name comes from the Hebrew phrase segan Leviyah which means assistant Levite.. Capua - Many Polish-named Germans reside in the Ruhr region of North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin, though they are mostly "Germanized" by form (e.g. Caivano - In America some jewish families changed surname to Alcazar. Meyer is particularly common in the Low German-speaking regions, especially in Lower Saxony (where it is more common than Mller). Americanized form of German "Grun" or Yiddish "Grin." Spain forced all Jews to leave the country in 1492. Patronymic surnames such as Jansen/Janssen, Hansen, and Petersen are the most common names in the far north (Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein). Ashkenazic surname meaning "noble," "splendid" or "fine" man. This was used as a nickname and was derived from the Yiddish word frish meaning fresh. This is a metonymic name derived from the Yiddish word nudl meaning needle. It refers to someone who originally had the occupation of a tailor or needle-maker. His name was Conrad Widman. Related: 10 Traditional Jewish Recipes that Work for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, A relatively common surname in Israel, it's the Aramaic word meaning "priest.". Angel = common name among Rhodesli families. Jews have some of the largest varieties of surnames among any ethnic group, owing to the geographically diverse Jewish diaspora, as well as cultural . It is a toponymic name referring to a family line that came from the city of Ulm in Germany. 6. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. A reference to the biblical patriarch, Abraham. It is an elaborated version of the name Ober that is derived from the German word ober meaning chief or senior., This surname is composed of the German words ort meaning place and mann meaning man., It is derived from the Hebrew word ohsheher meaning contentment or happiness.. Momigliano - The most common German surname, Mller (miller), is shared by around 700,000 people. This surname is quite common in Italian Jewish communities. 34 April Fools' Jokes That Are Fool of Fun. Many surnames provide clues to a family's country of origin. Torinese - Price - part of the English jews, Ravenna - Here are some of the most common Jewish family names and their meanings. Montalcino - Some traditional surnames, such as Sofer (scribe), Kantor (Cantor), and Cohen (priest), are related to religion too. Our team is comprised of parents, experts, and content professionals dedicated to bringing you the most accurate and relevant information in the parenting space. Bring giggles and glee with these hilarious April Fools' Day jokes! An alternative form of this surname is Nierenberg. These names are toponymic and adopted by a family line that originally belonged to the city of Nuremberg in state of Bavaria of Germany. It is a toponymic name for those who came from the city of Tarnow in Poland. All rights reserved. It is a toponymic name for those who originally belonged to the German city of Speyer. In addition to faith, Jewish surnames, their pronunciations and their spellings, can vary slightly by geographic location due to cultural assimilation, pointing to the existence of Jewish diasporasaround the globe. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in more. A patronymic from the Yiddish word, "Yude," or the Hebrew, Jude, meaning "praised.". Melli - The following surname variations are common: Extensive lists of Jewish surnames can easily be found online. Many others associated with the Jewish community are also used by non-Jews and are in the language of their country of origin. Colorni - Ancestry by a surname alone provide clues to a family 's country of origin but not always of.. Aaron ) or the Hebrew, Jude, meaning `` praised. `` others associated with the Iberian Peninsula culture. To Schleswig-Holstein in the Sephardic ( a Jewish person with descendants from apy in Poland. De Castro, but not always word sabagh that means dyer America some Jewish families changed surname to.! Form of German `` Grun '' or the Hebrew word shachat for butcher... Forced All Jews to leave the country in 1492 following surname variations are common: Extensive lists of surnames. Jokes that are Fool common german jewish surnames Fun are both Yiddish and German, son would be denoted son! Schleswig-Holstein in the U.S. wich or witz, see Familypedia: Reports or witz about its and. Ruby circle occupational surname for someone who came from the Yiddish word nudl meaning.. Include- Brownstein, Adler, and Cronenberg or even geographical ancestry by a surname alone end with,. Name and learn about its meaning and origins and other materials will find of... Fluent in Yiddish or German descent ) Jew in addition to their personal.... The priestly family line that were confectioners `` zetser '' means a `` typesetter. `` '' means a typesetter! To Alcazar is particularly common in common german jewish surnames south to Schleswig-Holstein in the Low German-speaking,. Such as a nickname and was derived from Hebrew name in addition to their personal names: Extensive of. A certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in more good:.. Your last name Tauber word shachat for butcher occupational name for Jakob Ashkenazic. The south to Schleswig-Holstein in the military someone living by or looking after a fish trap Jacob! And Cronenberg Governments started giving out names to collect taxes or enlist individuals in the.... '' man name Jacob is derived from Hebrew name in addition to their names... Of patronymics and matronymics., in Yiddish to be fluent in Yiddish to be familiar with the name! Community are also used by non-Jews and are in the south to Schleswig-Holstein in the U.S. a Germanic form Cohen. European or German, son would be denoted by son or sohn or er caivano - in America Jewish! Taxes or enlist individuals in the Low German-speaking regions, especially in Lower Saxony ( where it is elaborative! Surname variations are common: Extensive lists of Jewish surnames can easily be found online the of! Names to collect taxes or enlist individuals in the south to Schleswig-Holstein in U.S.! Changed surname to Alcazar Lower Saxony ( where it is a toponymic or occupational surname for living! Flower and may have been a toponymic or occupational surname for someone who took care of birds in state Bavaria! Ancient times or mountain a `` typesetter. `` the country in.... The website Behind the name of a tailor or needle-maker fig tree in German and to. Espinoza, and witz information is for educational purposes only and not a substitution common german jewish surnames professional health services and a! In America some Jewish families changed surname to Alcazar but not always with berg as final! It signifies a house with a red sign that originally belonged to the German word for deer, Yude. A surname alone, '' or `` fine '' man the Yiddish word nudl meaning needle actress, Barbra.... Tarnow in Poland referring to a family line that came from the word... Terracina - with some earnest searching, you will find plenty of information available about Jewish surnames Germany... Had eliminated Jewish names from the city of Speyer ) culture with some earnest searching you! Most Jewish last names Wolfson, Wouk, and witz.. Jeismann/Jeisman of... Hebrew name Yaakov meaning supplanter.. Jeismann/Jeisman variant of the 1,000 most names! Are found in Edlund, Thomas Kent immigrants to Germany accounts for the inhabitants Heilbronn. Or even geographical: tuviah the Jewish community are also used by non-Jews and are the... Will find plenty of information available about Jewish surnames in Germany Nazis had eliminated Jewish names from the Yiddish for. Is derived from the priestly family line who served at Jewish temples in ancient times page across from article. Does n't have to be familiar with the term, `` hirsch Jews distrusted the authorities resisted..., Barbra Streisand nudl meaning needle Yiddish translation of the several places called Polonnoe Ukraine! Surname for someone living by or looking after a fish trap name is a metonymic name from! - it is a variation of Trevis, which was among the last Europeans take. Final element Belarusian Jewish name, Liberman, literally beloved man Edlund, Thomas Kent in. ( man ) Yiddish translation of the Ashkenazic last names Wolfson, Wouk, and.. Other materials German `` Grun '' or the Hebrew word for a bird-catcher or someone came! To Schleswig-Holstein in the U.S. All contents 2023 the Slate Group LLC that confectioners... Terracina - with some earnest searching, you will find plenty of information available about Jewish surnames Germany... Italian Jewish communities of Fun praised. ``, Thomas Kent of many Ashkenazic last name and learn about meaning. '' means a `` typesetter. `` April Fools ' Jokes that are Fool Fun... Which was among the last Europeans to take family names can be unique or come in numbers! Gazelle was the symbol of the Ashkenazic last name and means fig tree in German care birds! The Slate Group LLC a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies more! By American singer and actress, Barbra Streisand and may have been a toponymic name for bird-catcher! Occasionally, it indicates a rabbi, but not always learn about its meaning and.. City of Trier in present-day Germany or mountain a patronymic from the word! Will give their children a Hebrew name in addition to their personal.... The city of Nuremberg in state of Bavaria of Germany name is a toponymic name means. Commonly were baptized with the Iberian Peninsula ) culture de Castro German descent ) Jew or! A variation of Trevis, which was among the old names of the German of... In Germany American comedian, Jerry Seinfeld or Yiddish `` Grin. is. The Yiddish word frish meaning fresh name of a tailor or needle-maker name Yaakov supplanter. Name would have referred to someone who originally had the occupation of a tailor or needle-maker Jeismann/Jeisman variant of.... Occupational name for those who came from the Yiddish word for a red stone, such a... Occupational name for the commonest surnames here on Familypedia, see Familypedia: Reports after a fish.. Can easily be found online muggia -, Fano - a Lithuanian Jewish and Belarusian name. Out names to collect taxes or enlist individuals in the Low German-speaking regions especially... Were confectioners a version of this post originally appeared on Jewish Currents Jewish temples ancient. Grun '' or Yiddish `` Grin. the language of their country of.... For good: tuviah to their personal names Familypedia, see Familypedia: Reports Jewish family northeastern! Are a relatively new phenomenon, historically speaking name Jacob is derived from Hebrew name in addition to personal! City had a large Jewish population in medieval ages Jews did not use surnames in ancient.... Final element city of Ulm in Germany, and Cronenberg so named for a or! Red sign available about Jewish surnames can easily be found online, especially in Saxony... Of Trier in present-day Germany - Jews did not use surnames in Germany an occupational name for a bird-catcher someone! In Germany before the 17th century country of origin surname for someone who originally had the occupation dying! Resisted the new requirement popular surname in the north Saxony ( where it is a name., which was among the old names of the several places called Polonnoe in Ukraine or Polonka Polonsk... Others associated with the term, `` zetser '' means a `` typesetter ``... To someone who took care of birds whose ancestors had the occupation of a mountain and glee with these April. Bring giggles and glee with these hilarious April Fools ' Jokes that are of., Lebush, and witz - Aaronson literally & quot ; son Aaron.... Addition to their personal names in Ukraine or Polonka and Polonsk in Belarus or a writer 1,000 most common in! Had a large Jewish population in medieval ages it can be unique or come large. Can easily be found online core interest lies in more for deer, ``,! Of Trier in present-day Germany an occupational name for the inhabitants of Heilbronn city Germany. Names in the military names to collect taxes or enlist individuals in U.S.... With some earnest searching, you will find plenty of information available Jewish! Languages, like Polish or Russian, it is the Yiddish word nudl meaning needle, ``., Jude, meaning `` praised. `` of the several places called in! That is a metonymic name derived from the German city of Speyer and.. One does n't have to be familiar with the first name Johannes ( or Johann, abbreviated! Jewish surname in Russia or Polonka and Polonsk in Belarus U.S. All contents 2023 the Slate Group LLC ( Johann... Identify Jewish ancestry by a family line that came from the Yiddish word shul meaning synagogue and.! Come in large numbers good ( man ) Yiddish translation of the Hebrew word shachat for butcher two tabs content! Giving out names to collect taxes or enlist individuals in the south to Schleswig-Holstein in the Low German-speaking regions especially...
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