The meaning of your German surname may be as close as the nearest German-English dictionary. Many German surnames, based on the occupations of the first bearer, are easily translated in this manner. ZIMMERMANN (Carpenter), FISCHER (fisherman), BECKER (Baker), MUELLER (Miller), and so on. Learn how to find the origin of your German surname and check out our list of the Top 50 Surnames in Germany for meanings, spelling variations, and related genealogy resources.