The History Behind Jewish Surnames in Europe
Let’s dive into the fascinating and, at times, heart-wrenching history of how Jews in Europe were often forced to adopt surnames. This isn’t just a story of names but of identity, resilience, and survival.
The Origins:
For much of Jewish history, surnames were not a common practice. Instead, Jews were typically known by their given name and their father’s name (e.g., David ben Yosef). This all changed due to various edicts and laws enforced by European powers.
Austria-Hungary (1787):
Our journey begins in the Austrian Empire under Emperor Joseph II. In 1787, an edict was issued requiring Jews to adopt permanent family names. The reasons behind this were manifold – from making tax collection easier to attempts at assimilation. Many Jews were forced to take on German-sounding names, often given by the local authorities. This is why we see a plethora of Jewish surnames like Goldstein (Gold stone) and Rosenberg (Rose mountain).
Prussia (1812):
In Prussia, a similar law came into effect in 1812, under King Frederick William III. Jews were again required to take on permanent surnames. Many names were chosen based on occupation, physical characteristics, or even arbitrary selections made by officials. The intention was to integrate Jews into the broader society, but it often resulted in names that carried a stigma or a sense of imposed identity.
Russia (19th Century):
In the vast Russian Empire, the process was slower but no less impactful. Starting from the early 19th century, various decrees forced Jews in the Pale of Settlement to adopt surnames. This was part of broader reforms aimed at assimilating Jews and reducing their cultural distinctiveness. Names like Rabinovich (son of a rabbi) and Kaplan (priest) became common.
The Humorous Twist:
Now, if you know us Jews, you know we have a knack for humor, even in the darkest times. Legend has it that some Jews, when forced to choose names, had a bit of fun with it. One story goes that a man was asked his name and, tired of the whole ordeal, responded with “Weissnicht” (German for “I don’t know”), and that became his surname! Another classic is the name “Fischbein” (fish bone), given to a man by an annoyed official who just wanted to be done with the whole process.
A Legacy of Strength:
Today, these surnames carry with them the weight of history and the strength of a people who have endured through centuries of upheaval and persecution. They are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Jewish community. Every name tells a story – of survival, of resistance, and of an unyielding spirit.
So, next time you meet someone with a classic Jewish surname, remember the rich tapestry of history it carries. And let’s continue to fight against antisemitism and preserve the legacy of our ancestors with pride and dignity.
Am Yisrael Chai! 🇮🇱
If you ever revise this article a very fascinating aspect are the names the Spanish Jews took on during the inquisition. They were pretending to be Catholic as they would otherwise have died but wanted to recognise each other, so they picked specific names that were known to them to be Jewish families.
Many of the names were plant or animal names, like Romero - Rosemary, Leon - Lion, Pereira - Peartree . I was once in Portugal and came through a deeply Catholic, little village and, don’t ask me why, I went to look at the cemetery and most names were Jewish names.