Müller, Meier, Schulze…
The surnames were gradually introduced in Germany from about the 14th century. They were mostly derived from the professions. However, the origin or a distinctive physical characteristic could also be used to form the name.
Here is the list of the 10 most common surnames you will encounter during your visit to Germany.
- Müller – ca. 945.000x (Derived: Operator of a mill for grinding flour)
- Schmidt – ca. 715.000x (Derived: blacksmith)
- Schneider – ca. 435.000x
- Fischer – ca. 375.000x
- Weber – ca. 325.000x
- Meyer – ca. 320.000x (Derived: official title of a landed property administrator at that time)
- Wagner ca. 300.000x (Derived: manufacturer of wheels and agricultural vehicles)
- Becker – ca. 280.000x (Derived: baker)
- Schulz – ca. 275.000x (Derived: Schultheiss – official who makes sure that everything is in order in a municipality)
- Hoffmann – ca. 185.000x (Derived: formerly servant farmer)