Jewish surnames come from several old strands. Some mark priestly descent — Cohen (“priest”), Levi (the Temple tribe), and acronyms like Katz (“righteous priest”). Others are patronymics using ben or bar (“son of”) — Ben-David, Abramovich — or place names like Shapiro (from Speyer).

Ornamental names

When European states forced Jewish families to adopt fixed surnames in the 18th–19th centuries, many chose or were given ornamental names built from pretty words — Rosenberg (“rose mountain”), Goldberg (“gold mountain”), Stern (“star”), Adler (“eagle”). Modern Hebrew names in Israel add a further, nature-rich layer.

Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Cohen mean?

Cohen (Kohen) means u201cpriestu201d and marks descent from the ancient priestly line. Levi and Katz are related priestly-lineage names.

What does ben mean in Jewish surnames?

Ben (or bar) means u201cson ofu201d u2014 Ben-David means u201cson of David.u201d

Why do many Jewish surnames sound German?

Many are ornamental names u2014 like Rosenberg or Goldberg u2014 adopted when European states required Jewish families to take fixed surnames in the 18thu201319th centuries.

All last names A–Z