Origin & Meaning of the German Surname
What does the last name German mean?
The surname German carries the meaning "A person associated with." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 16,661 bearers in the 2010 US Census, German ranks as the #2,182 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname German come from?
The German surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the German name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of German trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | German |
|---|---|
| Meaning | A person associated with |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,182 |
| US Count (2010) | 16,661 |
| Per 100K People | 5.65 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of German
According to the US Census, the German surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 16,661 Americans with the German last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 58.66% |
| Black | 13.96% |
| Hispanic | 24.35% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.9% |
| Native American | 0.86% |
| Two or More Races | 1.26% |
Popularity of German Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the German surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the German surname increased by 1,892 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your German Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your German ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to German
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with German.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as German.
Frequently Asked Questions About German
Related Searches
People searching for information about the German surname also look for: