140 German Last Names or Surnames
In this Article
It’s a universal thing. Every parent in the world, regardless of species just wants the best possible life for his or her little one (remember all those cute mother-offspring koala pictures you love on Instagram?). But animals of other species don’t necessarily require a name for identity- it is a human thing.
There can be many reasons for the name you choose- they serve beyond an objective purpose.
140 German Surnames or Family Names With Meanings
Germany has for long been called Das Land der Dichter und Denker, i.e, the land of poets and thinkers. Here we bring you the choicest list of German last names for your child. Take your pick:
1. Abel
Abel is a patronymic name which means ‘noble one’. Derived from one of those old German surnames, ‘Albrecht’.
2. Abt
This is an occupational German/Dutch surname ‘abbot’. Did you know that a famous American game researcher Clark C. Abt introduced storyline gaming to the world?
3. Ackermann
This is a High German term meaning ‘ploughman’- it symbolizes métier and fortitude through life.
4. Adami
This is a humanistic patronym from the Biblical word Adam (using the Latin genitive). It signifies earthiness.
5. Adelsberger
A habitational name, it denotes somebody from Adelsberg.
6. Afflerbach
‘Affal’ in High German means apple and ‘bach’ means brook. As sweet as an apple, as pleasant as a brook.
7. Alig
‘Adal’ in German means ‘benevolent’- the name Alig is a form of this popular German name and has been around for centuries
8. Alpha
Alpha, a name signifying new beginnings is a Hellenization (‘Germanizing’) of the first Greek letter.
9. Altenhofen
‘Alt’ means old in German, and ‘hof’ is a farm. By the old farmstead in tranquil -this name is for your little one that loves peace.
10. Alter
Of Jewish origin, and an inflected form of the eponymous Yiddish name- the name Alter is believed to confuse the Angel of Death.
11. Appelhans
Named after “the one who procures fruit”, this name has a dialectic ring to it. ‘Hans’ is a popular name in Germany – Hans and Gretel, anybody?
12. Armbrecht
This name composed of the Old High German name Arn and irmin and signifies ‘greatness’ in life.
13. Arnhart
This German name is composed of the elements of ‘eagle’ it signifies the unwavering yearning to fly high.
14. Auge
This name is derived from the German word ‘ouge’- meaning eyes. It is for your little one with peculiar eyes.
15. Aupperle
It is a variant of the famous German name Albert which has been famous for all the right reasons – nobility, intelligence, and eminence.
16. Bach
Bach is a topographic German name – representing somebody who lives by the cool creek. Fresh and pleasant to construe.
17. Bahre
The name ‘Bahre’ represents something as fractious and robust as a bear- it is a symbol of wisdom.
18. Balk
This name is the Slavic equivalent of the Dutch name Valentinus- is symbolic of physical prowess, agility, and endurance.
19. Balsam
‘As fragrant as a Balsam’- this ornamental name is derived from the Yiddish word balsam (balm).
20. Bamberg
Bamberg is one of those royal German last names which indicate ecclesiastic power: Bambergs were princes that reigned for almost eight centuries.
21. Banker
Banker is a name that patronizes the German spirit of financial viability.
22. Banning
The name Banning traces its origins back to the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. ‘Banning’ signifies a courageous warrior, the slayer of men in battle.
23. Barck
“Barck” essentially means “dweller by the birchwood”, derived from the 7th Century old English word ‘birce’.
24. Barfuss
Barfuss means ‘the one who goes barefoot’.
25. Bartimus
This is an offshoot of the popular Aramaic-origin name Bartholomew, named after the legendary Irish apostle. Let your child saunter amongst the kindred spirits with this name.
26. Bath
While the English version is symbolic of the legendary European city of Bath, the German version signifies the element Badu which stands for battle.
27. Bauknecht
Originally meaning ‘farmhand’ in German, this name signifies versatility, dexterity, and physical suppleness. It is an exotic-sounding name that will turn many heads.
28. Baumer
‘Baumer’ implies border in German. He is one that guards the border and heaves the spirit of his land in his bosom. ‘Baum’ is also a German nickname for somebody particularly tall.
29. Behle
Behle, a variant of the name ‘Behlen’ is a metronymic name that traces its roots to the Biblical character Elisabeth.
30. Bernstein
“The bear’s stone” or “the burst stone”- this name alludes to amber, known for its longevity.
31. Betzner
This name is common in the German Rhineland which means ‘meadow’. It can also be considered a variant of the Czech word pecnář.
32. Buchholz
‘Buchholz’ is derived from bouche meaning “beech” and Holz, meaning “wood”.
33. Crecelius
Crecelius alludes to the Greek wrestler Pankratios. A name considered to be an epithet of Christ himself.
34. Dahle
A variant of Dahl, this name means “valley”. It was originally derived from the Old Norse word dair.
35. Dietrich
The name ‘Dietrich’ is another form of ‘Theodorice’.
36. Dessauer
Dessauer is an ‘industrious’, elite name, dating back to the Saxony-Asphalt regime in Germany.
37. Dillinger
It is derived from the Old English era name Dylla, associated with ‘a hill slope’. Also remember Ed Dillinger, that enigmatic villain from Tron?
38. Dombrow
Dombrow signifies “brightness”. Let your child be the adorable goofball of glee.
39. Dunst
Dunst symbolizes “haze” in the High German sense.
40. Eben
This patronymic name of Hebrew origin means “stone of help”.
41. Eckelman
The Eckelman(s) was an upper-class German-American family that rose to prominence in the 1880s.
42. Edler
Also of variants “Edle”, “Edlem”, Edlen”, this name comes from the German adjective meaning “noble person”.
43. Eichel
Eichel in German means “acorn”. Ah, the acorn- Ice Age.
44. Eilberts
An ancient Germanic name, Eilberts signifies royalty. Other forms of the name are ‘Achard’ (Old Norman) and Eckhart.
45. Eisenhardt
Eisenhardt is a name composed of the elements isen (iron), hard (signifying hardiness, bravery, physical strength).
46. Enders
The German word ender means ‘very rare’.
47. Engel
This Germanic name is composed of elements of angil (the name of a prominent tribe) and beraht (meaning bright). Saint Engelbert was a 13th-century archbishop.
48. Esser
An occupational name- meaning ‘carmaker’- symbolizing agility and productiveness.
49. Erxleben
Erxleben makes for the perfect rustic name.
50. Everhart
It is the German variant of the English name Everett.
51. Fabrizius
A variant of Fabricius, which is derived from the Latin “Faber” meaning ingenious.
52. Faerber
The German word for “counsel”.
53. Fahle
Fahle is the German word for “striking”.
54. Fassbender
A variant of the German word “Fassbinder” which means cooper. Michael Fassbender, yes.
55. Faust
Derived from the German word for fist or the Latin Faustus– refers to a strong person.
56. Fink
Or, “Finch”- meaning a dynamic and lively person.
57. Fitz
An Anglo-Norman word meaning “the offspring”.
58. Frei
Means “free” in German- an outlier that is unlike anybody.
59. Gabe
This refers to the Hebrew name Gabriel which evokes God’s strength.
60. Ganschow
This is one of those common German last names where a ward is identified by the region of Germany he is from, here, Mecklenburg.
61. Garthe
In Archaic German, “Garthe” means an open yard or garden.
62. Garven
The German version of the English name Garvin, “Garven” means “one who wields the spear”.
63. Geiger
Derived from the word giga meaning fiddle, it is also a famous scientist’s name.
64. Geiss
Geiz means goat in German, somebody who is into farming.
65. Geller
An occupational surname for a “shrill town crier”. We also know two famous New Yorkers who have this surname.
66. Glock
From the Celtic word glocka, a topographic name for somebody who lives by the Church.
67. Gottschalk
Western Ashkenazic word for “servant of God”- with Jewish roots.
68. Guth
In the medieval period, this was a status name for a vassal or somebody of noble birth.
69. Haagen
One of those popular german surnames, it is derived from the Old Norse word Hakon meaning “family”.
70. Halderman
Halder means “slope” in High German. Off to the lofts!
71. Hauth
Of Anglo-Saxon origin, one of the imperial German family names- it means “heath”, land with peaty humus.
72. Hehl
A name implying “secret” (from Hele, meaning concealed or remote). Shhh, that’s all we can tell you!
73. Heinrich
Again an Ashkenazic name, Heinrich has ‘haim’ (home) and ‘ric’ (power) elements.
74. Hilde
Hild was a Nordic-German Valkyrie who conveyed fallen warriors to Valhalla- Warfare is called “Hild’s Game” in Germany.
75. Hurst
A topographic High German name meaning ‘woodland’ or ‘thicket’.
76. Jenner
In Hebrew, Jenner means “God’s Grace”.
77. Kalmer
A family surname from the Thuringian (Eastern) German dialect meaning “yellowhammer” or “Goldammer”.
78. Kelting
Kelting is North German dialect means “field”.
79. Knick
A metonymic occupational name for someone in a knick (hedge, or boundary). Your child can be the grass-angel!
80. Lenz
Lenz is a habitational name, denoting somebody born in the Spring season. Don’t we all love the blooms?
81. Majer
A toponymic name for somebody from Machern in Germany means “major”.
82. Mandel
Mandel means “almond-scented” in German.
83. Margraf
This name comes from the German word ‘margrave’ which signifies “a royal judge”.
84. Michels
German variation of the English “Michael”.
85. Neubarth
The German epithet for a settler that is new- Niu(we) ‘new’ (ge)būre ‘resident’.
86. Nipp
Derived from the High German word that literally means “keen eyesight and hearing”. Your child is a paragon of alertness and discernment.
87. Nix
Nix is the Middle High German term for ‘water sprite- bring out the water-bender!
88. Obermann
It’s the toponymic name for someone upper-class: ober means ‘upper’ and mann is ‘man’.
89. Odenwald
An unusual, enchanting name: it signifies somebody hailing from the mountainside. Don’t we all love the ingenious beauty that mountains have bequeathed earth with?
90. Oertel
The pet form of the German names Ortolf or Ortwin.
91. Olle
Another form of the German name Euler. Euler was one of the greatest mathematicians that ever lived.
92. Panther
A contracted form of Pfander- a distinguished sign of the leopard.
93. Pastorius
It is the Latinized humanistic form of Schafer, meaning ‘shepherd’.
94. Pflug
This occupational German name denotes a ploughman- a symbol of strength and edifice.
95. Radner
The shortened version of ‘Rademacher’, it means wheelmaker or wheelwright.
96. Rahman
The German variant of ‘Rahmann’ deriving from rade meaning ‘a clearing amidst the forest’: a revelation, a light amidst the sombre of the world.
97. Reddix
The Latinized form of ‘Rettig’ or ‘Reddick’- denoting blazon, fieriness in any task he gets his hands on.
98. Rink
The High German word for ‘buckle’- clasp ‘em tight!
99. Saal
Saal is the High German word for ‘a large chamber’ or ‘auditorium’: ‘tis for the large-hearted!
100. Sage
The habitational name for people from Oldenburg. ‘Sege’ means reed or sedge- a stalk of astuteness and perception.
101. Sandel
‘Sandel’ is a popular German-American surname, meaning “the guardian of sand”.
102. Schalk
The court jester or the knave was called ‘Schalk’ in Old Germany.
103. Scheider
Scheider signifies somebody that helps those in need. Let your child stand for the benevolence only human beings can be proud of!
104. Schlei
‘Schlei’ is German for fisherman. Bring out the aquatic!
105. Schmidt
A hard-working, expert blacksmith. Isn’t your tiny tot the (cute) quintessence of astute skill?
106. Semachiah
It is a reference to the eponymous Biblical character.
107. Stadler
This name symbolizes tardiness and vivacity.
108. Stahr
Stahr makes for an upper class, complex, name that your child will surely be proud of.
109. Stauffacher
A child as guileless as the river: derived from Stoufahe, meaning ‘river’.
110. Stavinoha
This name was very popular in the Middle Ages, originating from the Slavs.
111. Sterling
In Medival Germany, Sterling was the name of a coin.
112. Stern
Of Ashkenazic origin, Stern is an ornamental Jewishname referring to a star.
113. Stiller
Signifies an individual of calmness and composure.
114. Stophel
The reduced German form of the English name Christopher.
115. Stroh
A name from High German word strō, one with straw-coloured hair.
116. Supple
Archaic German for ‘cooking soup or broth’. The sumptuousness of this name will always be ineffaceable.
117. Sulzer
A topographic German name for brine.
118. Sussman
Sussman is ‘a sweet man!’ Literally.
119. Synder
From ‘Sunder’, meaning ‘wooded area of land’; can also imply distinctiveness.
120. Tannenbaum
The German word for a fir or pine tree.
121. Taucher
The South German dialectic name for Dauch- a wetland/swamp.
122. Teller
The Jewish occupational name for a market official. Yiddish for ‘a plate’.
123. Tess
The German word for “the essence of something”.
124. Toelke
This name is a variant of Tolk, an Old Slavic name meaning ‘to soothe’.
125. Trester
The Geman word relating to fermentation or brewing of beer.
126. Tripp
It comes from trippe, the German word for wooden patterns or cogs.
127. Ufer
The name originates from High German, meaning ‘water shore’.
128. Uhlhorn
The toponymic name for someone living by the Hunte river.
129. Ulrich
Derived from the Archaic German name Oldaric, it symbolizes power and prosperity.
130. Unruh
The name for your restless, hyperactive baby! From the word Unrouwe (‘unrest’).
131. Utzig
A patronymic German name for the Utz region dweller.
132. Vasel
‘Vasel’ means ‘one of several offsprings’.
133. Velte
Or ‘Velten’, or ‘Valentine’.
134. Viel
‘Vil’ means quagmire in High German. A toponymic name.
135. Voelker
This is a combination of the German words for army or folk. Signifies the ‘people’s guardian’.
136. Voigt
Voigt or Voight is a German surname that means ‘steward’ or ‘manager or overseer of a household’ or ‘bailiff’.
137. Walberg
A variant of ‘Walhberg’. Means ‘mountain’ in High German.
138. Wirth
‘Wirth’ is the German name for one who takes care of the household.
139. Wolff
Wolff is a German surname derived from the personal name ‘Wolfgang’ that was common in Germany during the medieval times. ‘Wolfgang’ is a combination of the German words ‘Wolf’ referring to the canine animal, and ‘ganc’, meaning battle.
140. Zipf
‘Pont’, ‘tip’, or ‘corner’- on point for your child to be the go-getter!
Dale Carnegie said, “A person’s name is to him or her the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” – and we couldn’t agree more.
The name you bestow upon your little one shall shape his/her identity for life, dictate their environment- starting from the way they’re treated at pre-school to the power they command at work.
Zero in on the best German-surname for your child.
