Origin & Meaning of the Stein Surname
What does the last name Stein mean?
The surname Stein carries the meaning "Stone." It is derived from the German/Yiddish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 43,389 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Stein ranks as the #796 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Stein come from?
The Stein surname has its roots in German/Jewish heritage. Names of German/Jewish 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 Stein name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Stein trace back to German/Yiddish. 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 | Stein |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Stone |
| Origin | German/Jewish |
| Language | German/Yiddish |
| US Rank (2010) | #796 |
| US Count (2010) | 43,389 |
| Per 100K People | 14.71 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Stein
According to the US Census, the Stein surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 43,389 Americans with the Stein last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.4% |
| Black | 1.02% |
| Hispanic | 2.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.7% |
| Native American | 0.36% |
| Two or More Races | 1.16% |
Popularity of Stein Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Stein surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Stein surname increased by 58 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Stein Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Stein ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Stein Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Stein Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Stein
- ✓ The Stein coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Stein families live today
- ✓ Notable Stein bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Stein
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Stein.
Other German/Jewish Surnames
Explore more surnames with German/Jewish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same German/Jewish origin as Stein.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stein
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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