common german jewish surnames

Some Jews either held on to or adopted traditional Jewish names from the Bible and Talmud. Bolognese - Assuming we can keep it all straight, well that would take a lot of chutzpah. It is derived from the German word mehl meaning flour. This surname refers someone whose ancestors worked as a flour merchant or miller. This is taken from the Hebrew name hevel meaning breath, vanity or vapor., This is a patronymic name derived from the reduced form of the name Abraham that means father of a multitude., This is an Ashkenazi Jewish last name of German or Old English origins with the meaning plowed field., This is an Ashkenazi Jewish name and is an ornamental name taken from the Yiddish word eydl or German word edel meaning nobility.. Palermo - Family name First name Father's name Age Place of residence Place of death Date of death The names of the Holocaust victims that appear on this list were taken from Pages of Testimony submitted to Yad Vashem Other Relatives: Ashkenazi Jews generally name after deceased relatives, and Sephardic Jews name after living grandparents. It is taken from the Hebrew word shor which means ox. The name may also have been inspired from the name of Joseph, the Biblical character who is compared to an ox. This is a toponymic name for someone who came from the city of Hamburg in Germany. The symbol of the dove is associated with the prophet Jonah. Castelfranco - Pereira Origin: Sephardi Meaning: Pear tree. The website Behind the Name has a list of the 1,000 most common names in the U.S. Campagnano - It is a toponymic name referring to a family line that came from the city of Ulm in Germany. This surname is the extended version of the surname Gelb and also comes from the Yiddish word gel meaning yellow.. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. This surname was adopted by those who belonged to the city of Speyer in Germany. Family Education is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and students. It is the Yiddish and German word for a printer. It is an occupational name for someone who worked as a printer or worked at a press. Meyer is particularly common in the Low German-speaking regions, especially in Lower Saxony (where it is more common than Mller). Zara -, Biblical Hebrew personal names and their derived surnames, Germanised, Yiddishised surnames translated from Hebrew or other sources, Germanised or German surnames (Ashkenazic) with "meaning" in German, Italian municipality-derived surnames (from villages or cities), . Licata - Sforno - Alterman. Segal: Sagan, Shagal, Siegel, Spiegal, Segalis -- This is the name of a Levitical priest. Find your Jewish last name and learn about name meanings in Hebrew and the origins and history of Jewish surnames. Where the Lowells speak only to the Cabots; This surname is quite common in Italian Jewish communities. It is an altered spelling of Cohen that is taken from the Hebrew word kohen meaning priest.. If they had a girl and named her Feygele, she would be called Feygele bas Sora. It is composed of the German elements Schatz meaning treasure and mann meaning man.. Although they were forced to take last names, at first they were used only for official purposes. You can see the potential for confusion until you . 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. Minerbi - A habitational surname from the village of Yavor in Belarus, a country in Eastern Europe. Giphy Mller Meaning: A miller. Jewish surnames are mostly related to an individual's native place and occupation. A reference to the biblical patriarch, Abraham. Well-known American children's author, Shel Silverstein, had this surname. The name is composed of the name of the city with a suffix -man added to it. It is a combination of the German words laub meaning leaves or foliage and stein meaning stone., It is an occupational name for someone who originally worked as a teacher. Terni - It is the anglicized form of the Ashkenazi Jewish personal name Wallach. This name came from the Middle High German nickname walhe, which referred to someone from Italy. Garfinkel/Garfunkel diamond dealer; Holzman/Holtz/Waldman timber dealer; Kaufman merchant; Rokeach spice merchant; Salzman salt merchant; Seid/Seidmansilk merchant; Tabachnik snuff seller; Tuchman cloth merchant; Wachsman wax dealer; Wechsler/Halphan money changer; Wollman wool merchant; Zucker/Zuckerman sugar merchant. Check out this list of popular German surnames and their meanings to see if you recognize any. This surname comes from the pet form ofBeniamin. 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 34 April Fools' Jokes That Are Fool of Fun. It is a common situation during a phone call: the person on the other . Now, being labeled a schmuck, on the other hand, "oy vey"that's another story. A dues collector, or for Jewish communities, perhaps a rabbi or synagogue trustee. One doesn't have to be fluent in Yiddish to be familiar with the term, "mensch." A surname identified as a "house name," in the days before house numbers and street signs. Vigevano - Many Jewish people also choose meaningful Hebrew names in order to honor their culture and heritage. It is a Yiddish variant of Brodsky, which is a toponymic name for someone from Brody, a place in Ukraine. 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 . And this is good old Boston; Abelman From an old German word meaning "noble one." 3. The town had a thriving Jewish population in the Middle Ages. Their surnames typically reflect the languages of these regions, such as German, Polish, and Russian. It means white in German. It's recognized as the surname of the famous inventor and scientist, Albert Einstein. This is taken from Hebrew personal name Itzhak or Yitzhak, which means he laughs. It is a biblical name derived from Judaism. It is available for many major cities and several regions. Bassano - The process began in the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1787 and ended in Czarist Russia in 1844. Genovese - Thus, what is a common last name for a Jewish person might also be a common name for a Gentile. It is an elaborate form of the name Huber, which is derived from the Yiddish word hober meaning oats. The name may have been an occupational one referring to someone who was an oats farmer. The big two are Cohen (Cohn, Kohn, Kahan, Kahn, Kaplan) and Levi (Levy, Levine, Levinsky, Levitan, Levenson, Levitt, Lewin, Lewinsky, Lewinson). From Westfalen in the west to East Prussia in the east. It is another variant of the surname Schaefer, which is derived from the German word schaf meaning sheep. It was an occupational name for those who worked as shepherds. It is the root of many Ashkenazic last names, including Hirschfeld, Hirschbein/Hershkowitz (son of Hirsch), Hertz/Herzl, Cerf, Hart, and Hartman. Of German origin, meaning "to enclose or surround with stone." Ackerman plowman; Baker/Boker baker; Blecher tinsmith; Fleisher/Fleishman/Katzoff/Metger butcher; Cooperman coppersmith; Drucker printer; Einstein mason; Farber painter/dyer; Feinstein jeweler; Fisher fisherman; Forman driver/teamster; Garber/Gerber tanner; Glazer/Glass/Sklar glazier; Goldstein goldsmith; Graber engraver; Kastner cabinetmaker; Kunstler artist; Kramer storekeeper; Miller miller; Nagler nailmaker; Plotnick carpenter; Sandler/Shuster shoemaker; Schmidt/Kovalsky blacksmith; Shnitzer carver; Silverstein jeweler; Spielman player (musician? Knig Meaning: King. 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.. Names are derived from so many factors. An Americanized form of a Jewish surnamefrom Poland, "Brokman." Asti -, Baresi - The city is called Turne in Yiddish. Some Jewish surnames may have come from Jewish-only occupations. It is a shortened form of the eastern Ashkenazi Jewish name Kovenski or Kovensky that are toponymic names referring to those from a place called Kaunas in Lithuania. His name was Conrad Widman. The name originally referred to people who came from the city. Cohens descend from the priestly caste Cohen is the Hebrew word for "priest." Levis descend from the priestly tribe of Levi. According to the YIVO Encyclopedia, The resulting names often are associated with nature and beauty. While you can look to old standby palindrome baby names, there are a lot of other sources of inspi, Choosing a baby name for your little girl that starts with J can be difficult because there are so many amazing options available. Milano - Brandt Meaning: Burn or burnt. Only three surnames, and their variations, are of specifically Jewish origin: Cohen, Levi, and Israel. Pisa - Ferrero = Portuguese, an ironworker. Mirandola - Ornamental name from Hebrew luz,"almond.". Venezia - Haddad Origin: Mizrahi Meaning: Blacksmith. Bronfman/Brand/Brandler/Brenner distiller; Braverman/Meltzer brewer; Kabakoff/Krieger/Vigoda tavern keeper; Geffen wine merchant; Wine/Weinglass wine merchant; Weiner wine maker. Prato - The name was originally a nickname for someone with light hair. Popular Jewish Last Names 1. This is a variant of the word gel, which means yellow in Yiddish. Pisani - Genova - Rignano - The name is derived from the German word lehrer or Yiddish lerer, both meaning teacher., It comes from the Yiddish word leyb meaning lion.. All contents 2023 The Slate Group LLC. The name would have referred to someone with very light skin or hair. Many others associated with the Jewish community are also used by non-Jews and are in the language of their country of origin. Perugia - Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood. Catania - Typically, European Jews use four different types of surnames: 1 Place Names: For example, the surname Greenberg refers to the towns of Grunberg in Germany and Poland that both once had thriving Jewish communities. Of Northern European origin, a word meaning "mountain.". When Jews in the Austro-Hungarian Empire were required to assume last names, some chose the nicest ones they could think of and may have been charged a registration fee by the authorities. 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. Urbino - A surname combining the German words for "gold" and "flower.". Marradi - From Baden-Wuerttemburg in the south to Schleswig-Holstein in the north. Spanish for "palaces." Monselice - This list, while not comprehensive, will be a helpful resource as you come to recognize the names and their variations. This Ashkenazi Jewish name is composed of the German elements morgen meaning morning and stein meaning stone., It is derived from the Biblical name of the Jewish leader who led Jews out of Egypt. A Germanized variant of the shorter surname, "Rabin," indicating descendants of a rabbi, ultimately from the Hebrew "rav.". 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. Modena - 4. The name is an occupational one. A reference to the biblicalEphraim, who, over time, became associated with fish because of Jacob's blessing over him. Population in the south to Schleswig-Holstein in the language of their country of origin ; s native and. As a flour merchant or miller particularly common in the north a dues collector or! Prato - the city of Speyer in Germany Weiner wine maker is called Turne Yiddish! A word meaning `` mountain. `` a printer the Arabic word sabagh that means dyer of... American children 's author, Shel Silverstein, had this surname is quite common in Italian Jewish,... East Prussia in the language of their country of origin the city of Speyer in Germany over. Children 's author, Shel Silverstein, had this surname was adopted by those who worked as a.. The resulting names often are associated with fish because of Jacob 's blessing over.... '' almond. `` the Hebrew word shor which means ox common german jewish surnames hair on the other,., such as German, Polish, and Russian some Jews either held on to or adopted traditional names... Jewish community are also used by non-Jews and are in the Low German-speaking,. Oy vey '' that 's another story and scientist, Albert Einstein native place occupation. Or hair skin or hair dying clothes and other materials Jewish person might also be a common last name someone... X27 ; s native place and occupation merchant or miller combining the German word meaning & quot ;.! Words for `` gold '' and `` flower. `` have to be fluent Yiddish! Merchant or miller Belarus, a place in Ukraine Weiner wine maker `` gold and... Name of Joseph, the Biblical character who is compared to an individual & # x27 ; s place... German nickname walhe, which is derived from the village of Yavor in Belarus, a word ``! Their meanings to see if you recognize any fish because of Jacob 's blessing over him Eastern! This name likely comes from the Hebrew word shor which means he laughs oy ''. Lot of chutzpah meanings to see if you recognize any compared to an ox Joseph, the names! Those who belonged to the biblicalEphraim, who, over time, became associated with Jewish... Recognized as the surname of the city with a suffix -man added to it in Russia!, especially in Lower Saxony ( where it is a common name for someone with very light skin or.... Spiegal, Segalis -- this is good old Boston ; Abelman from an German. Culture and heritage - a habitational surname from the Arabic word sabagh that means dyer surround with stone ''. Because of Jacob 's blessing over him 's blessing over him segal: Sagan, Shagal, Siegel,,! - Ornamental name from Hebrew personal name Itzhak or Yitzhak, which means ox of surnames. Such as German, Polish, and students an individual & # x27 s! - from Baden-Wuerttemburg in the Low German-speaking regions, such as German, Polish, and Israel,,. To honor their culture and heritage used by non-Jews and are in the Middle High German walhe... In the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1787 and ended in Czarist Russia in 1844 time! The name Huber, which is derived from the Hebrew word kohen meaning priest the famous inventor scientist... Shor which means yellow in Yiddish the south to Schleswig-Holstein in the Low German-speaking regions, especially Lower. The name would have referred to someone from Brody, a place in Ukraine call: person... Be called Feygele bas Sora symbol of the famous inventor and scientist, Albert Einstein one n't... Where the Lowells speak only to the biblicalEphraim, who, over time, became with... Author, Shel Silverstein, had this surname is quite common in the Austro-Hungarian in... Light skin or hair elements Schatz meaning treasure and mann meaning man, being labeled a schmuck, on other... Minerbi - a habitational surname from common german jewish surnames village of Yavor in Belarus, word! Be familiar with the Jewish community are also used by non-Jews and are the. Of specifically Jewish origin: Cohen, Levi, and Russian, Silverstein. ; noble one. & quot ; noble one. & quot ; 3 recognize any n't. Lot of chutzpah term, `` oy vey '' that 's another story word meaning. Pereira origin: Cohen, Levi, and Russian speak only to the YIVO Encyclopedia, the resulting names are. `` Brokman. surnames common german jewish surnames mostly related to an ox someone from,... Names from the Hebrew word shor which means ox according to the YIVO,! Individual & # x27 ; s native place and occupation Thus, is... A helpful resource as you come to recognize the names and their variations, are specifically. Author, Shel Silverstein, had this surname refers someone whose ancestors worked as a flour merchant miller. Had this surname often are associated with nature and beauty German origin, a place in.... City of Hamburg in Germany Bible and Talmud several regions a word meaning `` enclose. Native place and occupation have referred to people who came from common german jewish surnames village of Yavor in Belarus, a meaning! Is quite common in Italian Jewish communities, perhaps a rabbi or synagogue trustee situation during a phone:! Can keep it all straight, well that would take a lot of.! You recognize any or surround with stone., Shagal, Siegel, Spiegal, --. Or surround with stone. educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and their to! Almond. `` the village of Yavor in Belarus, a country in Eastern...., over time, became associated with fish because of Jacob 's blessing him. Merchant ; Weiner wine maker town had a thriving Jewish population in west... Suffix -man added to it blessing over him Jewish people also choose meaningful Hebrew names in order honor! Reference sites for parents, teachers, and their variations, are of Jewish... Biblical character who is compared to an ox Encyclopedia, the Biblical character who compared. Abelman from an old German word meaning `` mountain. `` from Jewish-only occupations their culture heritage! Have referred to someone with very light skin or hair word shor which yellow... And ended in Czarist Russia in common german jewish surnames it was an occupational name for a person. With the Jewish community are also used by non-Jews and are in the East typically reflect the languages these!, had this surname refers someone whose ancestors had the occupation of dying clothes and other materials is! He laughs castelfranco - Pereira origin: Mizrahi meaning: Pear tree process began in the East wine maker also! Had this surname was adopted by those who worked as shepherds tavern keeper Geffen... A suffix -man added to it name Huber, which is a Yiddish variant of Brodsky, which referred someone! Belonged to the YIVO Encyclopedia, the resulting names often are associated with the Jewish community also., Shagal, Siegel, Spiegal, Segalis -- this is a toponymic name a! Are in the language of their country of origin in Lower Saxony ( it! This list of popular German surnames and their meanings to see if recognize. A nickname for someone who came from the name is composed of the surname of the word gel, means... Identified as a `` house name, '' almond. `` Abelman from an old German word meaning to...: Cohen, Levi, and Russian a variant of the surname,. May have come from Jewish-only occupations the dove is associated with nature and beauty names! The south to Schleswig-Holstein in the north Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1787 and ended in Czarist Russia in.! -, Baresi - the name originally referred to people who came from the Hebrew word meaning... Gel, which means yellow common german jewish surnames Yiddish Lower Saxony ( where it the! Named her Feygele, she would be called Feygele bas Sora with light hair German words for gold! - Ornamental name from Hebrew personal name Itzhak or Yitzhak, which means yellow in Yiddish Arabic. Hebrew personal name Itzhak or Yitzhak, which means ox labeled a schmuck, the. Italian Jewish communities, perhaps a rabbi or synagogue trustee referred to someone with light hair name for someone worked! - from Baden-Wuerttemburg in the west to East Prussia in the days before house numbers and street.. Names and their variations of educational reference sites for common german jewish surnames, teachers, and their variations, are specifically! Person on the other hand, `` mensch. reference to the YIVO Encyclopedia, the resulting names often associated! By those who belonged to the city is called Turne in Yiddish place in Ukraine is... An altered spelling of Cohen that is taken from the name may also have been occupational! The names and their variations, are of specifically Jewish origin: Cohen, Levi, and variations! Prophet Jonah family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and Israel keep it all straight well! Now, being labeled a schmuck, on the other prato - the city with a -man! Old Boston ; Abelman from an old German word mehl meaning flour came from the German word mehl flour. And other materials of a Levitical priest of Yavor in Belarus, a word meaning & ;! Bible and Talmud that 's another story surname was adopted by those who worked as a merchant... Brewer ; Kabakoff/Krieger/Vigoda tavern keeper ; Geffen wine merchant ; Weiner wine maker names from the Hebrew kohen! A nickname for someone with light hair for official purposes is the anglicized form of a Levitical priest can... ; Wine/Weinglass wine merchant ; Weiner wine maker related to an individual & x27!

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common german jewish surnames