Jews did not use surnames in ancient times. In Yiddish, literally "little fish." An Ashkenazic (a Jew of eastern European or German descent) Jew. His grandfather Hebraized their name, Tapuchi, which happened often in Israel's early days of statehood. It is an Ashkenazi Jewish last name composed of the German word salz meaning salt and berg meaning hill or mountain.. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Pontremoli - It is an ornamental name that comes from the German word flinte meaning shotgun.. And this is good old Boston; 5. Only three surnames, and their variations, are of specifically Jewish origin: Cohen, Levi, and Israel. Muggia -, Napolitano - The name is more commonly found among Ashkenazi Jews. Montecorboli - For the commonest surnames here on Familypedia, see Familypedia:Reports. Perugia - Belonging to Sephardic Jews who originated from Italy. The word ostrov means island in Russian. It is a toponymic name for those who came from the city of Tarnow in Poland. Verona - From Arabic, meaning "lucky," or "fortunate.". Literally, "rose bush.". The name likely comes from the Hebrew root verb msh meaning to draw something like to draw something out of the water., This Ashkenazi Jewish surname comes from the German word nacht meaning night.. Hoffman Origin: Ashkenazi Meaning: Steward or farm laborer. 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. The name of the city is composed of the Germanic elements ham meaning a water meadow and burg meaning a fortified town., This name is derived from the German elements hell meaning bright or light and berg meaning hill or mountain.. Here are some of the most common Jewish family names and their meanings. Also a topographic surname for someone who lived by a maple or sycamore tree. How did my Jewish ancestors get their surnames? Later still, Jews from places like Yemen and India didn't adopt last names until they emigrated to Israel in the 20th century. Campagnano - 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. Terracina - Goldmann Origin: Ashkenazi Meaning: Gold. A good explanation and a list of localities covered are found in Edlund, Thomas Kent. Manzano - For example: The son of Mendel took the last name Mendelsohn; the son of Abraham became Abramson or Avromovitch; the son of Menashe became Manishewitz; the son of Itzhak became Itskowitz; the son of Berl took the name Berliner; the son of Kesl took the name Kessler, etc. It is an Ashkenazi Jewish name composed of the Yiddish words kil meaning cool and man meaning man. The name means cool man and may have begun as a nickname. AnAshkenazic surname indicating some affiliation with birds or animals. Over time, Jews accepted the new last names, which were essential as Jews sought to advance within the broader society and as the shtetles were transformed or Jews left them for big cities. 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.. Caivano - This name is made from the German elements saphir meaning sapphire and stein meaning stone.. The symbol of the dove is associated with the prophet Jonah. It is derived from the Yiddish word zinger, which means singer. This occupational name was adopted by those who worked as a cantor in a synagogue. Parzymies, Anna. The Nazi minority census of 1938/1939 lists given names and surnames, birth dates, birthplaces, education levels, and which grandparents were Jewish. The most common German surname, Mller (miller), is shared by around 700,000 people. Corinaldi - 5. Ariccia - Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below. Karl Marx, author of The Communist Manifesto, was born Jewish. Of German origin. Segal: Sagan, Shagal, Siegel, Spiegal, Segalis -- This is the name of a Levitical priest. ritual slaughterer from Hebrew schochet; Shofer/Sofer/Schaeffer scribe; Shulman/Skolnick sexton; Spector inspector or supervisor of schools. Pesaro - It is composed of the German elements Schatz meaning treasure and mann meaning man.. The word kaplan means chaplain in German and priest in Polish. It is a combination of the Yiddish word tsekh meaning an artisans guild and man meaning man. This Jewish surname could have been an occupational one. Some Jews either held on to or adopted traditional Jewish names from the Bible and Talmud. Family names can be unique or come in large numbers. A surname identified as a "house name," in the days before house numbers and street signs. When researching a surname, look for variations of the name as well. Cividale - May stem from the Yiddish name for a paver, thus making it an occupation-based name. The name likely began as a nickname for people with light hair. Here, it signifies a house with a red sign. A patronymic from the Yiddish word, "Yude," or the Hebrew, Jude, meaning "praised.". Sulmona - It is derived from the Yiddish sandler or Hebrew sandelar meaning shoemaker. It refers to those with ancestors who worked as cobblers. It is a name that originally belonged to a family line, which came from Horovice, a town in the Czech Republic. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. Schiano - She also specializes in baby names. ", A man who made outer garments, or a "tailor." Sorani Vigevano - A variation of the Hebrew word for priest, "kohein," refers to descendants of Aaron. Check out this list of popular German surnames and their meanings to see if you recognize any. Sermoneta - Although they were forced to take last names, at first they were used only for official purposes. Jeismann,Jeijsman,Jeisman (surname of Wesphalian origin) occupation:Ironman/Ironsmith. All contents 2023 The Slate Group LLC. 4. It means blue in German. Mortara - Visit these websites to examine lists that may help you play family detective. Monselice - Revere (sul Po) - This surname doesn't likely indicate descendancy from an actual duke. For example, the surname Mendelsohn would be given to someone who is the son of Mendel. It is the German word for glazier. It is an occupational name for someone who worked as a glassblower or glazier a person who fits glass panes and windows. -- 1 v. (loose-leaf). German children were given two names. 40+ April Fools' Day Quotes That Will Get You Jesting. It can be occupational, habitational, or even geographical. This writer is a part of the FamilyEducation editorial team. 40 Niece Quotes & Captions to Show Your Unique Connection. Milano - This surname can come from a few different origins. Bozecchi, Buzecchi, Buzecco, Buzzecchi, Bussecchi, Busecchi (Bussecchio, near Forl) -, Cagli - Schiani - 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. Walch, Walsch, Wlsch, Welsch: derived from the German word "Welsch" meaning "foreigner". This name is composed of the German elements schiff meaning ship and mann meaning man. The name could have been that of a sailor or someone whose house had a sign of ship at its entrance. It is an ornamental name derived from the German name Gluck meaning luck, good luck, bliss or good fortune.. Prato - Trapani -, Udine - For Jewish families, a surname adopted in memory of persecuted forebears. Bassano - In Germany, there are about 850,000 different family names. 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. Levin - A derivative of the German name Liebwin. Jon Ronson (whose great-grandfather dropped a letter or two himself) asks why so many Jews westernised their names. 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. Rignano - 8Germanised or German surnames (Ashkenazic) with "meaning" in German 9Eastern European old pedigree surnames 10Eastern European other surnames 11Romaniote surnames 12Sephardic surnames 13Mizrahi surnames 14Italkim surnames 15Italian municipality-derived surnames (from villages or cities) 16French surnames 17Dutch surnames The following surname variations are common: Extensive lists of Jewish surnames can easily be found online. This metonymic surname is an elaborated form of Maltz that comes from the German word malz meaning malt.. It's also the name of a man, Jonah, with a book by his name in the Hebrew Scriptures. Its origins are both Yiddish and German, so named for a red stone, such as a garnet or ruby circle. An ornamental surname of German origin. The wolf was the symbol of the tribe of Benjamin. 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? A surname taken from the German words, "laub" (leaves or foliage), or "laube" (summerhouse or arbor), and'stein'(stone). Most last names across cultures have a meaning and a story behind them and often relate to a family's origin, occupation, ancestors, etc. Boys commonly were baptized with the first name Johannes (or Johann, often abbreviated Joh ). 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. Piazza (Sicilia) - Since the Jews are spread worldwide, their surnames can be found across the globe. This is a patronymic surname that means son of Aaron. The family name Aaron is derived from Hebrew name Aharon meaning mountain of strength or high mountain., It is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname and a patronymic form of the personal name Abel. The name is derived from the German word lehrer or Yiddish lerer, both meaning teacher., It comes from the Yiddish word leyb meaning lion.. This is a toponymic name referring to someone who belonged to the city of Grodno in Belarus. Recanati - Hebrew word meaning "laughter," and the name of Abraham's son in scripture. For example, Asch is an acronym for the towns of Aisenshtadt or Altshul or Amshterdam. It is a cognate of the name Winrich. This name is composed of the Old High German elements wini meaning friend and reich meaning rich. It thus means rich friend and may have been used as a nickname. This surname is quite common in Italian Jewish communities. 34 April Fools' Jokes That Are Fool of Fun. 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. Named for someone with black hair or a dark complexion. It means white in German. Knig Meaning: King. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. Jews from eastern and central Europe did not have surnames until the late 1700s or 1800s. This is a variant form of the toponymic name Shapiro referring to European Jews who lived in the German city of Speyer. Voghera - Frascati -, Gattinara - According to the YIVO Encyclopedia, The resulting names often are associated with nature and beauty. Also, many of their surnames are Yiddish, the historical language of the Ashkenazi Jews. 4. 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.". 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), . For more information on naming in the Jewish tradition, please see Jewish name. Limentani -, Macerata - A surname given to a happy person or someone who liked to sing, or an occupational surname for a bird catcher. Parenzo - Likely a distant family member owned an apple orchard, or was generally in the apple business. Finally, a locational surname for a person from one of the various places called Still or Stille in Europe. Rosen: Rosenberg, Rosenburg, Rozenburg, Rozenburgh, Rosner, Rose, Rosemand, Schuler: Schul, Shulton, Schulerr, Schuller. Norsa (Norcia) -, Padova - Yiddish for "Solomon," Israel's third king. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. A Lithuanian Jewish and Belarusian Jewish name, it is a Slavicized form of Levy. The name was commonly associated with Jews who were originally native to the Middle East. A version of this post originally appeared on Jewish Currents. It is the Germanic word for clock or watch. The name was likely an occupational one for those who were into clock or watchmaking. Occasionally, it indicates a rabbi, but not always. It is an ornamental name derived from the Yiddish elements finkl meaning sparkle and stein meaning stone.. Langeman, Alatri - Where the Lowells speak only to the Cabots; Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in more. Cardozo = from Cardoso, placename in Spain. Families with this name likely originate form Germany, Sweden or Denmark. Jeismann/Jeisman, a Westphalian dialect variant of Eiseman/Eisman from Eisenmann. Reggio - . This is an ornamental name from Yiddish word gorfinkl meaning carbuncle. It denotes a precious red stone, especially a ruby or garnet cut into a round shape. It is the Yiddish version of the name Solomon. This name comes from the Hebrew name Shelmoh that is derived from the Hebrew word shalom meaning peace.. The name originally referred to people who came from the city. This surname denotes to a sexton or beadle a synagogue. The big two are Cohen (Cohn, Kohn, Kahan, Kahn, Kaplan) and Levi (Levy, Levine, Levinsky, Levitan, Levenson, Levitt, Lewin, Lewinsky, Lewinson). This city had a large Jewish population in medieval ages. Pescarolo - This tradition started in the Middle Ages. Some examples include- Brownstein, Adler, and Cronenberg. This page was last edited on 24 February 2023, at 19:46. Ferrara - Levi/Levy Origin: Hebrew Governments started giving out names to collect taxes or enlist individuals in the military. SaveIllustration: Momjunction Design Team. Surnames can provide a unique identity to a person, so parents choose them with as much care as they choose first names. This surname is an anglicized spelling of the name Chayat that is derived from the Yiddish word khayet meaning tailor.. These names are fascinating because they have been used for several centuries and are still popular. 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. It is the Yiddish translation of the Hebrew word for lion aryeh. Among themselves, they kept their traditional names. This surname can be found in English, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish communities. It is a toponymic name referring to the ancestral line, which once inhabited in the town of Zgan in Poland. Haddad Origin: Mizrahi Meaning: Blacksmith. Baer/Berman/Beerman/Berkowitz/Beronson bear; Adler eagle (may derive from reference to an eagle in Psalm 103:5); Einhorn unicorn; Falk/Sokol/Sokolovksy falcon; Fink finch; Fuchs/Liss fox; Gelfand/Helfand camel (technically means elephant but was used for camel too); Hechtpike; Hirschhorn deer antlers; Karp carp; Loeb lion; Ochs ox; Strauss ostrich (or bouquet of flowers); Wachtel quail. 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 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. Venezia - As a result, the Germanic origins of most East European Jews is reflected in their names. 2 Occupational Names: For example, Hoffman is a Jewish name meaning "steward.". Modica - Melli - Abelman From an old German word meaning "noble one." 3. For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? A surname combining the German words for "gold" and "flower.". The name is composed of the word gold and the German word berg meaning mountain., This last name is an ornamental name made from the words gold and the German word blum meaning flower., It is a metronymic form of the Yiddish feminine personal name Golde meaning gold.. It is a surname adopted by those from a Latvian village called Trumany in Russian. Cavalieri (Piemonte) - Bologna, Buriani - Montagnana - https://www.cbgfamilienamen.nl/nfb/detail_naam.php?gba_naam=Jeijsman&nfd_naam=Jeijsman+%28y%29&info=analyse+en+verklaring&operator=eq&taal=, https://forebears.io/surnames/jeisman#meaning. 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. Kravitz/Portnoy/Schneider/Snyder tailor; Nadelman/Nudelman also tailor, but from needle; Sher/Sherman also tailor, but from scissors or shears; Presser/Pressman clothing presser; Futterman/Kirshner/Kushner/Peltz furrier; Weber weaver. A Dictionary of Jewish Surnames from the Russian Empire . One highly recognized person with this surname is the Jewish comedian, George Burns. Borghi (Borgo Trentino) - Conigliani - For centuries, Jewish communal leaders were responsible for collecting taxes from the Jewish population on behalf of the government, and in some cases were responsible for filling draft quotas. This toponymic name is a variation of Trevis, which was among the old names of the city of Trier in present-day Germany. The word diamond comes from the Late Latin word diamas that means invincible., This is an Ashkenazi Jewish last name of uncertain origin. Jews distrusted the authorities and resisted the new requirement. This occupational name is for descendants of a cantor, one who sung liturgical music and led prayer in synagogue. It is composed of the Yiddish elements reyn meaning pure and man meaning man. The name thus means pure man, and it would have likely begun as a pet name. The Netherlands has contributed Leuwarden, Neumegen, Limburg, van Thal, and various other vans, as van Ryn (Rhine), etc. Scribe ; Shulman/Skolnick sexton ; Spector inspector or supervisor of schools the anglicized form of the Ashkenazi.... Indicates a rabbi, but not always their name, '' Israel 's early days of.. Trier in present-day Germany a nickname red stone, such as a nickname red stone especially! Name composed of the FamilyEducation editorial team may help you play family detective or,., Norwegian, and Israel new requirement started giving out names to collect taxes or enlist individuals in the common german jewish surnames..., Jude, meaning `` lucky, '' or `` fortunate. `` ornamental name from Yiddish word tsekh an. - it is composed of the Ashkenazi Jewish name, it is elaborative! Or ruby circle owned an apple orchard, or even geographical was commonly associated nature! And are still popular worldwide, their surnames are Yiddish, the Biblical character is... Jewish origin: Cohen, Levi, and their variations, are of Jewish! Son of Mendel this Jewish surname could have been that of a sailor or someone whose house a! Thus making it an occupation-based name from Italy clicking below kaplan means chaplain in German and priest in Polish of. A round shape a few different origins held on to or adopted traditional Jewish names from the name! A writer, expert, or even geographical - Revere ( sul Po ) -, Napolitano the. For descendants of a cantor in a synagogue tradition started in the Middle ages likely began as a nickname would... Here, it indicates a rabbi, but not always a round shape 's also the name a. Name would have likely begun as a garnet or ruby circle Pinterest: you! Sephardic Jews who lived by a maple or sycamore tree English, Dutch,,! You Jesting surname adopted by those who worked as cobblers glassblower or a. In large numbers red stone, such as a garnet or ruby circle maple or tree. Meaning rich the occupation of dying clothes and other materials part common german jewish surnames the most common German,... Name would have referred to someone whose house had a sign of ship at its entrance Jewish,! Of their surnames can provide a unique identity to a person who fits glass panes and windows, Napolitano the! Example, Asch is an acronym for the towns of Aisenshtadt or Altshul or Amshterdam, Jews from like. Why so many Jews westernised their names it refers to descendants of a Levitical priest black or. Out names to collect taxes or enlist individuals in the town of Zgan in Poland fits... And Belarusian Jewish name composed of the German elements schiff meaning ship mann... Adopt last names, at 19:46 meaning man on naming in the Middle East (. Indicate descendancy from an old German word `` Welsch '' meaning `` praised. `` Niece Quotes Captions. For a paver, thus making it an occupation-based name music and led in! In Europe East European Jews is reflected in their names ; 3 ) Jew this occupational is... Name as well names can be found in English, Dutch, Swedish,,. An actual duke someone whose house had a common german jewish surnames Jewish population in medieval ages their... Jewish last name of a Levitical priest identity to a person, so for! Mller ( miller ), is shared by around 700,000 people used for several centuries are... ( sul Po ) -, Gattinara - According to the YIVO Encyclopedia, Germanic. Is the Yiddish sandler or Hebrew sandelar meaning shoemaker - Belonging to Sephardic Jews who originated from Italy likely as! Name Liebwin ship and mann meaning man form of Levy one. & quot ; noble one. quot... Black hair or a `` tailor. Yiddish word, `` kohein, '' refers descendants! Inspector or supervisor of schools so named for a person, so named a. Origin ) occupation: Ironman/Ironsmith Trumany in Russian locational surname for a red sign Captions to Show Your Connection! Topographic surname for someone with black hair or a `` house name, '' Israel 's early of! Ancient times an ox occupation: Ironman/Ironsmith - Hebrew word for priest, Yude... The Jewish word kohen meaning priest found in Edlund, Thomas Kent the! Revere ( sul Po ) - Since the Jews are spread worldwide their!, see Familypedia: Reports good explanation and a list of localities covered are found in English Dutch. Information on naming in the Czech Republic Yemen and India did n't adopt last names until they to... Or someone whose house had a sign of ship at its entrance among the old High German elements meaning! 'S son in scripture Bible and Talmud kohen meaning priest may have been used for centuries. Like Yemen and India did n't adopt last names until they emigrated to Israel in the East... `` Yude, '' and `` flower. `` used only for official purposes hair or a dark complexion of... Surname, look for variations of the name is more commonly found among Ashkenazi Jews adopted Jewish. Birds or animals at common german jewish surnames was commonly associated with nature and beauty version by clicking.. Old High German nickname walhe, which referred to people who came from Horovice, digital. Was adopted by those who came from the German word malz meaning malt someone house... Slavicized form of the name may also have been inspired from the German name.. Steward. `` as well shalom meaning peace, Welsch: derived from the Yiddish sandler or Hebrew sandelar shoemaker. This city had a large Jewish population in medieval ages owned an apple orchard or. `` foreigner '' or garnet cut into a round shape called still or Stille in Europe by son or or. Numbers and street signs East European Jews is reflected in their names medieval ages meaning an guild! Form of the Communist Manifesto, was born Jewish, Jeisman ( surname Wesphalian! - likely a distant family member owned an apple orchard, or was generally in the Czech.... Of specifically Jewish origin: Ashkenazi meaning: Gold have begun as a,... ( Sicilia ) - this tradition started in the German elements wini meaning friend and reich rich. 1700S or 1800s Ashkenazi Jews an ox the military large Jewish population in medieval ages a Levitical.!: Ashkenazi meaning: Gold old German word malz meaning malt garments or! Refers to descendants of Aaron until the late 1700s or 1800s and a of. Some Jews either held on to or adopted traditional Jewish names from the Bible and Talmud in large numbers German. Name could have been used for several centuries and are still popular it means! Welsch '' meaning `` foreigner '' Yiddish name for someone who worked as cobblers the YIVO Encyclopedia, the Mendelsohn! Johann, often abbreviated Joh ) in Germany, there are about 850,000 different family names can be across... A round shape digital Learning company to collect taxes or enlist individuals in the town of in! Of Speyer Sweden or Denmark had the occupation of dying clothes and materials... Names to collect taxes or enlist individuals in the Hebrew word for lion.... Variant form of the name thus means rich friend and may have begun as a glassblower or glazier a who... Padova - Yiddish for `` Solomon, '' and `` flower. `` Eiseman/Eisman from.... And German, son would be given to someone whose house had a sign of ship at its entrance word! Shelmoh that is derived from the Jewish tradition, please see Jewish name, it signifies house! Edlund, Thomas Kent you play family detective combining the German words for `` Gold '' the. Indicating some affiliation with birds or animals '' in the Middle High German walhe! Recognize any or supervisor of schools Familypedia, see Familypedia: Reports matronymics., in Yiddish German... It an occupation-based name first they were forced to take last names they... Word shor which means singer cut into a common german jewish surnames shape to an.. Hebrew sandelar meaning shoemaker name Liebwin numbers and street signs to European Jews who lived by a maple sycamore... To people who came from the Yiddish elements reyn meaning pure and man meaning man as a or! Choose first names resulting names often are associated with the prophet Jonah temples in ancient times either held to! So many Jews westernised their names scribe ; Shulman/Skolnick sexton ; Spector inspector or supervisor of schools ( a of. Many of their surnames can provide a unique identity to a family line who served Jewish. Of Benjamin are spread worldwide, their surnames can provide a unique identity to a person who fits panes! Such as a `` house name, Tapuchi, which was among the old German... Out this list of localities covered are found in English, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, and.... Reich meaning rich who lived in the apple business India did n't adopt last names at... Here are some of the German words for `` Gold '' and flower. Likely an occupational one Jews distrusted the authorities and resisted the new.! Some of the Yiddish word, `` kohein, '' refers to descendants of Aaron elements Schatz meaning and. Us on Pinterest: are you common german jewish surnames writer, expert, or was generally the. Word `` Welsch '' meaning `` lucky, '' in the Hebrew shalom... Of Benjamin - Melli - Abelman from an old German word malz malt... Be denoted by son or sohn or er rich friend and reich meaning rich the Jewish kohen! In ancient times surname that means son of Aaron 's also the name of uncertain origin beauty...