150+ German Last Names 2026 (With Meanings)

German last names have a profound heritage that reflects hundreds of years of culture, history, and tradition.

As a result of their origins as either an occupation or a place, personal characteristic, or family name, German last names provide us with valuable information about our families and society.

There are many examples of how common German surnames (such as those that come from jobs and trades) are also unique (like those that come from geographic features and dialects).

If you are researching your heritage, looking for creative names for characters, or just interested in understanding what different names mean, the list of German last names below showcases both the richness of German naming traditions and the special qualities inherent in them.

German Last Names

Müller – “miller;” historically referred to those who operated grain mills, a vital role in village life.

Schmidt – “blacksmith;” a respected craftsman who forged tools, weapons, and essential metal goods.

Schneider – “tailor;” one who made and altered clothing, often serving entire communities.

Fischer – “fisherman;” associated with those who lived near rivers and relied on fishing for livelihood.

Weber – “weaver;” a skilled artisan producing textiles and fabrics.

Meyer – “steward;” originally a land manager or overseer of estates.

Wagner – “wagon maker;” responsible for building carts and transport vehicles.

Becker – “baker;” a key figure in daily life, providing bread and baked goods.

Hoffmann – “farmstead owner;” linked to those who managed or lived on farms.

Schulz – “village headman;” a local leader responsible for administration.

Koch – “cook;” one who prepared meals, often in noble households or inns.

Bauer – “farmer;” a foundational surname tied to agriculture and rural life.

Richter – “judge;” associated with authority and legal decision-making.

Klein – “small;” often used to describe a shorter or younger individual.

Wolf – “wolf;” symbolizing strength, courage, and independence.

Schröder – “tailor;” another variation tied to garment-making professions.

Neumann – “new man;” given to newcomers settling in a village.

Schwarz – “black;” often describing hair color or darker features.

Zimmermann – “carpenter;” a builder of wooden structures and homes.

Braun – “brown;” referring to hair, complexion, or earthy tones.

Krüger – “innkeeper;” one who managed taverns or inns for travelers.

Hofmann – “farm manager;” closely tied to agricultural estates.

Hartmann – “strong man;” indicating bravery or physical strength.

Lange – “tall;” describing height or stature.

Schmitt – “blacksmith;” a common variant of Schmidt.

Werner – “defending warrior;” rooted in protection and military strength.

Krause – “curly-haired;” describing a distinct physical trait.

Meier – “land steward;” similar to Meyer, tied to land management.

Lehmann – “feudal tenant;” one who held land under a lord.

Schuster – “shoemaker;” a craftsman specializing in footwear.

Albrecht – “noble and bright;” often linked to high status.

Dietrich – “ruler of the people;” a name of leadership and authority.

Fuchs – “fox;” symbolizing cleverness and adaptability.

Jäger – “hunter;” associated with forests and game hunting.

Kaiser – “emperor;” a name reflecting authority or prestige.

Kuhn – “bold;” representing courage or bravery.

Lang – “long or tall;” similar to Lange in meaning.

Lorenz – “laurel-crowned;” tied to victory and honor.

Otto – “wealth or fortune;” often linked to prosperity.

Pfeiffer – “piper;” a musician or entertainer.

Roth – “red;” referring to hair color or complexion.

Sauer – “sour;” possibly describing personality or taste-related trade.

Schäfer – “shepherd;” one who cared for sheep.

Seidel – “little container;” possibly linked to trades involving vessels.

Seifert – “victorious peace;” a name combining strength and harmony.

Sommer – “summer;” often tied to seasonal workers or warm regions.

Ulrich – “prosperity and power;” a strong traditional name.

Voigt – “bailiff;” an official overseeing administration.

Winter – “winter;” possibly linked to seasonal traits or birth timing.

Ziegler – “brick maker;” a builder working with clay materials.

Brandt – “fire or sword;” symbolizing strength or destruction.

Engel – “angel;” representing purity or divine association.

Franke – “free man;” someone not bound by servitude.

Graf – “count;” a noble title.

Heinrich – “home ruler;” a powerful leadership name.

Jung – “young;” used for the younger family member.

Keller – “cellar;” often linked to winemakers or storage keepers.

Kraft – “strength;” symbolizing physical or inner power.

Kranz – “wreath;” associated with decoration or honor.

Ludwig – “famous warrior;” combining fame and battle.

Maier – “farm administrator;” variant of Meyer.

Menzel – “little man;” a diminutive surname.

Naumann – “new man;” similar to Neumann.

Opitz – “noble or wealthy;” linked to status.

Peter – “rock;” symbolizing strength and stability.

Reinhardt – “brave counsel;” combining wisdom and courage.

Riedel – “cleared land;” referring to settlement areas.

Ritter – “knight;” associated with chivalry and nobility.

Schenk – “cupbearer;” a courtly role.

Schilling – “coin;” linked to wealth or trade.

Schlegel – “hammer;” associated with tools and labor.

Schreiber – “writer;” a scribe or clerk.

Schütz – “protector;” one who guards or defends.

Seiler – “rope maker;” a craftsman trade.

Singer – “singer;” linked to music or performance.

Spengler – “metal worker;” one who works with tin or metal.

Stark – “strong;” indicating strength or resilience.

Stein – “stone;” symbolizing firmness and endurance.

Thiel – “people;” connected to community.

Urban – “city dweller;” linked to urban life.

Vogel – “bird;” symbolizing freedom or lightness.

Walther – “army ruler;” a name of leadership.

Weiss – “white;” referring to fair features.

Wendt – “wanderer;” one who traveled or migrated.

Zeller – “cellar dweller;” tied to storage or wine-making.

Bach – “stream;” referring to those living near water.

Berger – “mountain dweller;” associated with highlands.

Döring – “beloved;” a warm, affectionate meaning.

Ebert – “bright boar;” combining strength and light.

Friedrich – “peaceful ruler;” blending authority and calm.

Gärtner – “gardener;” one who cultivates plants.

Hahn – “rooster;” symbolizing pride or vigilance.

Jansen – “son of Jan;” a patronymic form.

Kochan – “cook;” a variant tied to culinary work.

Lenz – “spring;” representing renewal and growth.

Moser – “marsh dweller;” linked to wetland areas.

Noll – “hill;” referring to landscape features.

Pohl – “pole or boundary;” tied to geography.

Rausch – “rush or excitement;” possibly describing temperament.

Thaler – “valley dweller;” linked to lowland regions.

Aigner – “dweller by a field or farm;” associated with rural landscapes.

Albers – “son of Albert;” linked to noble brightness and heritage.

Bader – “bathhouse keeper;” a medieval profession tied to hygiene and care.

Bartel – “son of Bartholomew;” meaning rich in land or wealth.

Baum – “tree;” symbolizing growth, strength, and nature.

Baumann – “farmer;” closely tied to agricultural life.

Behrens – “son of Berend;” meaning strong or brave as a bear.

Berg – “mountain;” referring to those living near hills or highlands.

Böhme – “from Bohemia;” indicating geographic origin.

Brunner – “one who lives by a spring;” linked to water sources.

Büttner – “cooper;” a maker of barrels and casks.

Christ – “follower of Christ;” religious association.

Decker – “roofer;” one who builds or repairs roofs.

Dreher – “turner;” a craftsman shaping wood or metal.

Eckert – “edge or corner;” linked to settlement locations.

Eisele – “little iron;” symbolizing strength and durability.

Endres – “son of Andreas;” meaning manly or brave.

Faber – “smith or craftsman;” associated with skilled labor.

Falk – “falcon;” symbolizing sharp vision and speed.

Fechner – “one who works with fine metal;” delicate craftsmanship.

Fink – “finch bird;” often linked to cheerful personality.

Frey – “free;” indicating independence or noble status.

Geiger – “violin player;” associated with music and art.

Gerber – “tanner;” one who processes leather.

Gerlach – “spear ruler;” combining weapon and leadership.

Götz – “son of Gottfried;” meaning God’s peace.

Grimm – “fierce or stern;” describing strong personality.

Gross – “large or great;” referring to size or importance.

Haase – “hare;” symbolizing speed and alertness.

Haller – “one who lives by a slope;” tied to geography.

Heine – “home ruler;” a variation of Heinrich.

Herzog – “duke;” a noble title.

Hildebrand – “battle sword;” a strong warrior name.

Horn – “horn;” possibly linked to musical instruments or shape.

Huber – “landowner;” one who owned or managed land.

Jost – “just or fair;” symbolizing righteousness.

Kessler – “kettle maker;” a metalworking profession.

Kiefer – “pine tree;” connected to forests and nature.

Klinger – “blade maker;” associated with weapons or tools.

Krebs – “crab;” possibly symbolic or occupational.

Kurz – “short;” describing physical stature.

Lauer – “watchful;” indicating alertness or patience.

Lechner – “dweller by a stream;” tied to water geography.

Lindner – “from the linden tree;” symbolizing peace and protection.

Link – “left-handed or left side;” describing a trait.

Loos – “free or loose;” associated with independence.

Maas – “measure;” possibly tied to trade or units.

Mangold – “powerful ruler;” combining strength and authority.

Merkel – “little Mark;” derived from a personal name.

Nickel – “son of Nicholas;” meaning victory of the people.