90 Popular Jewish Last Names with Meanings

Ever wonder what your Jewish last name means? Turns out, these names can tell a story! Some hint at family jobs (think Cantor, Singer), while others might be colors (Goldman, Weiss) or even describe your ancestors (Klein – small, Shapiro – handsome).

This guide explores 90 popular Jewish last names, their meanings, and where they came from. We’ll uncover names from the Bible, family professions, funny nicknames, and even places your family might have lived.

Let’s dig in and see what your last name reveals!

Most Common and Popular Jewish Last Names

Here are some of the most common and popular Jewish last names along with their Hebrew spellings and a brief explanation:

1. Adler (אדלר): Meaning “eagle” in German, Adler is a symbol of strength, courage, or nobility associated with the family.
2. Cantor (כנטור): A surname associated with the role of a cantor in synagogue services, reflecting a family’s involvement in religious music and prayer.
3. Cohen (כהן): Derived from the Hebrew word for “priest,” this surname indicates a lineage of priests or individuals with a religious heritage.
4. Eisenberg (אייזנברג): Combining “iron” and “mountain,” Eisenberg signifies a family’s involvement in ironworking or their connection to a place with iron deposits.
5. Friedman (פרידמן):Derived from the Yiddish word for “peace,” Friedman indicates a family’s peaceful or harmonious nature.
6. Goldberg (גולדברג): Literally meaning “gold mountain,” this surname signifies ancestral ties to goldsmithing or wealth.
7. Greenberg (גרינברג): Reflecting a connection to “green” or nature, Greenberg indicates a family’s association with agriculture or a verdant landscape.
8. Grossman (גרוסמן): Literally translating to “big man” in German, Grossman is a descriptive surname for a physically imposing or prominent individual.
9. Horowitz (הורוביץ): Derived from the town of Horovice in the Czech Republic, Horowitz indicates a family’s geographic origin or connection to that region.
10. Katz (כץ): Derived from the Hebrew word for “priestly crown,” Katz is often associated with individuals of priestly descent or honor.
11. Klein (קליין): Meaning “small” or “little” in German, Klein is a nickname for someone of short stature or used to distinguish individuals in a community.
12. Kramer (קרמר): Meaning “shopkeeper” or “peddler” in German, Kramer refers to a family’s occupation in trade or commerce.
13. Levi (לוי): Traces its roots to the biblical tribe of Levi, known for their religious duties and connection to the priesthood.
14. Rosenberg (רוזנברג): Literally meaning “rose mountain,” Rosenberg signifies a family’s connection to roses, a specific location, or a symbol of beauty and strength.
15. Schwartz (שוורץ): Meaning “black” or “dark” in German and Yiddish, Schwartz originates as a descriptive surname or referred to a family’s occupation.
16. Silverstein (סילברשטיין): With “silver” in its name, this surname likely reflects a family’s historical association with silversmithing or trade in silver goods.
17. Spielman (שפילמן): Derived from the German word for “musician,” Spielman indicates a family’s involvement in music or entertainment.
18. Stein (שטיין): Derived from the German word for “stone,” Stein indicates a family’s occupation as stonemasons or their association with stone-related products.
19. Weinstein (וינשטיין): Combining “wine” and “stone,” Weinstein refers to a family’s involvement in winemaking or trade in wine-related goods.
20. Weiss (וייס): Derived from the German word for “white,” Weiss is a nickname for someone with fair or light-colored hair or complexion.

Jewish Last Names Based on Occupation

Occupational last names among Jews offer insights into their ancestors’ professions. So, here are some Jewish last names based on occupation along with their Hebrew spellings and brief explanations:

1. Alman (אלמן): Derived from the Hebrew word for “widow” or “orphan,” Alman indicates a family’s connection to caregiving or support roles.
2. Cohen (כהן): Derived from the Hebrew word for “priest,” Cohen signifies a lineage of priests or individuals with a religious heritage.
3. Karmel (כרמל): Derived from the Hebrew word for “vineyard” or “garden,” Karmel indicates an ancestral tie to agriculture or farming.
4. Kofer (קופר): Derived from the Hebrew word for “smith” or “craftsman,” Kofer indicates a family’s occupation in metalworking or craftsmanship.
5. Komer (כומר): Derived from the Hebrew word for “priest” or “minister,” Komer indicates a family’s religious or spiritual role.
6. Levi (לוי): Tracing its roots to the biblical tribe of Levi, Levi is associated with individuals who performed religious duties or had connections to the priesthood.
7. Malach (מלאך): Meaning “angel” in Hebrew, Malach could have been a surname for messengers, couriers, or individuals involved in communication.
8. Shachat (שחט): Meaning “slaughterer” or “ritual butcher” in Hebrew, Shachat are individuals involved in kosher meat preparation.
9. Sofer (סופר): Meaning “scribe” or “writer” in Hebrew, Sofer indicates a family’s occupation in writing or copying religious texts.
10. Tzadik (צדיק): Meaning “righteous” or “just” in Hebrew, Tzadik are individuals known for their piety or moral character.

Jewish Last Names Based on Personal Names

Here are some Jewish last names based on personal names, along with their Hebrew spellings and a brief explanation:

1. Aaronson (אהרונסון): Derived from the Hebrew name Aharon (Aaron), Aaronson signifies a family’s lineage or association with the biblical figure Aaron, Moses’ brother.
2. Abrahamson (אברהמסון): Derived from the Hebrew name Avraham (Abraham), this surname indicates a family’s lineage or association with the biblical figure Abraham.
3. Danielov (דניאלוב): Derived from the Hebrew name Daniel, Danielov signifies a family’s lineage or association with the biblical figure Daniel, known for his wisdom and interpretations.
4. Davidovitz (דוידוביץ): Derived from the Hebrew name David, Davidovitz signifies a family’s connection to the biblical King David or individuals named David within the family.
5. Eliyahu (אליהו): Derived from the Hebrew name Eliyahu (Elijah), Eliyahu is a surname that indicates a family’s connection to the biblical prophet Elijah.
6. Estherman (אסתרמן): Derived from the Hebrew name Esther, Estherman signifies a family’s lineage or association with the biblical figure Esther, a Jewish queen in Persia.
7. Ezra (עזרא): Derived from the Hebrew name Ezra, this surname indicates a family’s connection to the biblical figure Ezra, a scribe and leader among the Jewish exiles.
8. Hannahson (חנהסון): Derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, Hannahson indicates a family’s lineage or connection to the biblical figure Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel.
9. Isaacson (יצחקסון): Derived from the Hebrew name Yitzhak (Isaac), Isaacson indicates a family’s lineage or connection to the biblical patriarch Isaac.
10. Jacobson (יעקבסון): Derived from the Hebrew name Yaakov (Jacob), Jacobson indicates a family’s lineage or connection to the biblical patriarch Jacob.
11. Judah (יהודה): Derived from the Hebrew name Yehudah (Judah), Judah is a surname that indicates a family’s connection to the biblical patriarch Judah, one of Jacob’s sons.
12. Miriamson (מרימסון): Derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, Miriamson indicates a family’s lineage or connection to the biblical figure Miriam, sister of Moses and Aaron.
13. Mordechai (מרדכי): Derived from the Hebrew name Mordechai, this surname indicates a family’s connection to the biblical figure Mordecai, known for his role in the Book of Esther.
14. Naomi (נעמי): Derived from the Hebrew name Naomi, this surname indicates a family’s connection to the biblical figure Naomi, who features prominently in the Book of Ruth.
15. Rachelson (רחלסון): Derived from the Hebrew name Rachel, Rachelson indicates a family’s lineage or connection to the biblical figure Rachel, one of Jacob’s wives.
16. Reuveni (ראובני): Derived from the Hebrew name Reuven (Reuben), Reuveni signifies a family’s lineage or association with the biblical figure Reuben, one of Jacob’s sons.
17. Ruthman (רותמן): Derived from the Hebrew name Ruth, Ruthman signifies a family’s lineage or association with the biblical figure Ruth, known for her loyalty and devotion.
18. Samsonov (שמשונוב): Derived from the Hebrew name Shimshon (Samson), Samsonov signifies a family’s lineage or association with the biblical figure Samson, known for his strength.
19. Shaulson (שאולסון): Derived from the Hebrew name Shaul (Saul), Shaulson signifies a family’s lineage or association with the biblical figure Saul, the first king of Israel.
20. Solomonov (שלמהנוב): Derived from the Hebrew name Shlomo (Solomon), Solomonov signifies a family’s lineage or association with the biblical King Solomon.

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Jewish Last Names Based on Physical or Personality Trait

Here are Jewish last names based on physical or personality traits, along with their Hebrew spellings and brief explanations:

1. Admoni (אדמוני): Meaning “red” or “ruddy” in Hebrew, Admoni is based on a person’s red hair, complexion, or association with the color red.
2. Azulay (אזולאי): Meaning “blue” in Hebrew, Azulay is based on a person’s blue eyes or association with the color blue.
3. Baruch (ברוך): Derived from the Hebrew word for “blessed,” Baruch signifies a person blessed with positive attributes or a positive outlook on life.
4. Chaim (חיים): Meaning “life” in Hebrew, Chaim denotes a person with a vibrant and lively personality, or someone who values life deeply.
5. Ganor (גנור): Derived from the Hebrew word for “bright” or “shining,” Ganor indicates a person associated with brightness, intelligence, or brilliance.
6. Gavrieli (גבריאלי): Derived from the Hebrew name “Gabriel,” meaning “God is my strength,” Gavrieli denotes a person with strong, resilient, or courageous traits.
7. Gefen (גפן): Meaning “vine” in Hebrew, Gefen denotes a person associated with wine-making, vineyards, or agricultural prosperity.
8. Golan (גולן): Derived from the Hebrew word for “exile,” Golan indicates a person who has experienced exile or someone who values freedom and independence.
9. Gur (גור): Derived from the Hebrew word for “young lion” or “whelp,” Gur signifies strength, courage, or a fierce personality.
10. Katzir (כציר): Meaning “harvest” or “crop” in Hebrew, Katzir indicates a person associated with farming, agriculture, or abundance.
11. Kohen (כהן): Derived from the Hebrew word for “priest,” Cohen signifies a lineage of priests or individuals with a religious heritage.
12. Levi (לוי): Derived from the Hebrew word for “attached” or “joined,” Levi signifies a lineage of individuals traditionally associated with service in the Temple or religious duties.
13. Nachum (נחום): Derived from the Hebrew word for “comfort” or “consolation,” Nachum signifies a person known for providing comfort, solace, or support.
14. Neriah (נריה): Meaning “God’s candle” or “God’s light” in Hebrew, Neriah denotes a person associated with wisdom, enlightenment, or spirituality.
15. Nir (ניר): Meaning “plowed field” or “cultivated land” in Hebrew, Nir indicates a person associated with agriculture, cultivation, or productivity.
16. Sapir (ספיר): Meaning “sapphire” or “gem” in Hebrew, Sapir denotes a person associated with preciousness, beauty, or value.
17. Shachar (שחר): Meaning “dawn” or “morning” in Hebrew, Shachar denotes a person associated with new beginnings, freshness, or optimism.
18. Shamir (שמיר): Meaning “thorn” or “sharp” in Hebrew, Shamir denotes a person with a sharp mind, wit, or tongue.
19. Tov (טוב): Meaning “good” or “kind” in Hebrew, Tov indicates a person known for their goodness, kindness, or positive nature.
20. Tzur (צור): Meaning “rock” or “stronghold” in Hebrew, Tzur denotes a person with a strong and resilient personality, akin to a rock.

Jewish Last Names Based on Location

Location-based last names offer clues about ancestral origins. Here are Jewish last names based on location, along with their Hebrew spellings and brief explanations:

1. Ashkenazi (אשכנזי): Derived from “Ashkenaz,” a biblical region associated with Germany and Eastern Europe, Ashkenazi indicates a person or family with Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.
2. Beersheba (באר שבע): Referring to the city of Beersheba, a major city in the Negev desert of Israel with historical and biblical significance, Beersheba indicates a person or family from Beersheba or with ties to the region.
3. Canaan (כנען): Derived from “Canaan,” an ancient biblical land in the region of Israel and Palestine, Canaan denotes a person or family with ancestral ties to the land of Canaan.
4. Carmeli (כרמלי): Derived from “Carmel,” a mountain range in Israel known for its beauty and lush vegetation, Carmeli denotes a person or family associated with the Carmel region.
5. Efrati (אפרתי): Derived from “Efrat,” a biblical town in Judea, Efrati denotes a person or family with connections to the biblical town or the broader Judea region.
6. Eilati (אילתי): Derived from “Eilat,” a city in southern Israel known for its Red Sea beaches and tourism, Eilati indicates a person or family with ties to the city of Eilat.
7. Galili (גלילי): Derived from “Galilee,” a northern region in Israel known for its landscapes, agriculture, and historical significance, Galili indicates a person or family from the Galilee region.
8. Golan (גולן): Referring to the Golan Heights, a region in northern Israel known for its landscapes and strategic importance, Golan denotes a person or family from the Golan region.
9. Hadera (חדרה): Referring to the city of Hadera in Israel, known for its coastal location and agricultural significance, Hadera denotes a person or family associated with the city.
10. Haifa (חיפה): Referring to the city of Haifa in Israel, known for its port, industry, and cultural diversity, Haifa indicates a person or family associated with the city.
11. Ma’ale Adumim (מעלה אדומים): Referring to the city of Ma’ale Adumim, a settlement in the West Bank near Jerusalem, Ma’ale Adumim indicates a person or family associated with the city or the broader West Bank region.
12. Netanya (נתניה): Referring to the city of Netanya in Israel, known for its beaches and tourism, Netanya indicates a person or family associated with the city.
13. Boker (שדה): Referring to Sde Boker, a kibbutz in the Negev desert of Israel, known as the home of Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, Boker indicates a person or family with ties to the kibbutz or the Negev region.
14. Segal (סג”ל): Derived from “Segula,” meaning “treasure” or “precious possession” in Hebrew, Segal denotes a person or family from a place known for its richness or prosperity.
15. Sharoni (שרוני): Derived from “Sharon,” a region in Israel known for its fertile plains and agricultural productivity, Sharoni indicates a person or family with origins in the Sharon region.
16. Shfela (שפלה): Referring to the Shephelah region in Israel, known for its hills and valleys, Shfela indicates a person or family from the Shephelah region.
17. Tel Aviv (תל אביב): Referring to the city of Tel Aviv, a major urban center in Israel known for its modernity, culture, and innovation, Tel Aviv indicates a person or family from Tel Aviv or with connections to the city.
18. Yamani (ימני): Derived from “Yaman,” meaning “south” in Hebrew, Yamani denotes a person or family from southern regions or with a connection to the south.
19. Yardeni (ירדני): Derived from “Yarden,” the Hebrew name for the Jordan River, Yardeni denotes a person or family from areas near the Jordan River or with a connection to the river.
20. Yerushalmi (ירושלמי): Derived from “Yerushalayim,” the Hebrew name for Jerusalem, Yerushalmi denotes a person or family with roots or connections to the holy city of Jerusalem.

What’s your family’s Jewish last name story? Share your feedback and experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this blog if you found it insightful!