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German and Central European Names and Meanings
Browse 25 German and Central European names and surnames with their meanings and origins. German and Central European heritage is found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland. Names are clues, not proof of ancestry, because many families carry names shaped by migration, religion or history.
| Name | Meaning or origin |
|---|---|
| Becker | Baker |
| Braun | Brown |
| Fischer | Fisherman |
| Friedrich | Peaceful ruler |
| Greta | Short form of Margareta, pearl |
| Hans | German form of John |
| Hartmann | Hard man |
| Heinrich | Home ruler |
| Hildegard | Battle guard |
| Hoffmann | Steward of a farm or court |
| Katharina | Pure |
| Klaus | Short form of Nicholas |
| Klein | Small |
| Koch | Cook |
| Lukas | German form of Luke |
| Meyer | Steward or tenant farmer |
| Muller | “Miller”: one of Germany’s most common surnames. |
| Richter | Judge |
| Schmidt | German equivalent of Smith, a metalworker. |
| Schneider | Tailor |
| Schulz | Village mayor |
| Ursula | Little bear, Latin |
| Wagner | Wagon maker |
| Weber | Weaver |
| Wolf | Wolf |
Learn more about German and Central European culture and traditions, or look up any name in our tool.