Rare german surnames

Author: p | 2025-04-25

Looking for rare German surnames? The following are some of the rare German surnames – besides, some of these surnames could emanate from the first name making them unique and Looking for rare German surnames? The following are some of the rare German surnames – besides, some of these surnames could emanate from the first name making them unique and

100 Popular and Rare German Surnames

EalaEala is a Filipino surname potentially originating from the 1849 Claveria Decree, leading Filipinos to adopt surnames based on local features, Spanish influences, or other sources. Its precise meaning and origins remain unclear.Origin: FilipinoMeaning: UnknownPronunciation: EH-ah-lahNamesakes: Michael Eala, a professional Filipino junior tennis player. Cute EmeighEmeigh, derived from the German surname Emich, blends ancient Germanic meanings like “home” or “brave” and “powerful.” Predominantly found in Western Pennsylvania, its bearers trace their lineage back to Germany.Origin: English, GermanMeaning: Rich housePronunciation: EE-mayVariations: Emich, Emerich, EmmrichPopularity: A relatively rare option, with approximately 378 bearers in the U.S. Traditional, Badass FeatherstonhaughFeatherstonhaugh is a historically significant English surname tied to landownership and the aristocracy. Its pronunciation is a fascinating example of how English surnames can dramatically differ from their spelling.Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Feather-stone clearingPronunciation: FEHN-showVariations: Featherstone, Fetherstonhaugh, FeatherstonehaughNamesakes: George William Featherstonhaugh, a British-American geologist and geographer. Complicated, Strong, Traditional FeoThis unique surname is found among families in Madrid, Valencia, Castile and Leon, the Basque Country, and Catalonia in Spain. Despite its unflattering meaning, it continues to be used and proudly carried by its bearers.Origin: SpanishMeaning: UglyPronunciation: FEH-oh Strange FjellstadFjellstad is a picturesque option among our uncommon last names, indicating a familial connection to mountainous farming areas in Norway. It’s also a village in Raelingen, Norway, home to 943 people as of 2005. The name reflects Norway’s natural beauty and rugged terrain.Origin: NorwegianMeaning: Mountain farmPronunciation: FYELL-stahd Beautiful, Natural FogdtFogdt is a Danish occupational surname meaning “bailiff,” originally for a sheriff or law official. It may also be a rare Polish form of the German Vogt, linking bearers to roles in administration or management.Origin: Danish, Polish, GermanMeaning: BailiffPronunciation: FOH-tVariations: Vogt, Foged Traditional FosseyFossey is a rare English surname from the lost Bedfordshire location Fotsey, recorded as “Foteseige” in 969 and “Foteseye” in 1247. It combines the Old English “Fōt” (a personal name) and “ēg” (island, dry land in marsh), reflecting its landscape origins.Origin: EnglishMeaning: Fōt’s island, dry land marshPronunciation: FAH-see Traditional FroissartFroissart, a French surname derived from “froisser” (to crush/crinkle), is historically significant, notably linked to Jean Froissart, a chronicler of the Hundred Years’ War. It implies

100 Popular and Rare German Surnames with their Meanings!

Linked to notable figures in Austrian politics.Origin: DutchMeaning: From the bellPronunciation: van-der-BEL-lenNamesakes: Alexander Van der Bellen, an Austrian politician and president. Fancy, Beautiful VenablesVenables is a Norman-French surname from Normandy’s town of Venables, which arrived in England with the Norman Conquest and is historically tied to English nobility. Despite its noble origins, Venables is infamously linked to Jon Venables, a convicted English killer.Origin: FrenchMeaning: Hunting groupPronunciation: VEN-uh-bulsNamesakes: Terence Venables, also called El Tel, an English soccer player and manager. Fancy, Traditional, Strong WohlauerWohlauer is a rare German surname belonging to a Jewish family that moved to the U.S. from Berlin between the World Wars to escape threats in Europe. The meaning is unclear, but it may come from the German “wohl” (good, well) and the suffix “-auer,” indicating a person from a particular place.Origin: GermanMeaning: Good placePronunciation: WOOL-hour Strong, Unique WriothesleyWriothesley has deep historical ties, linked to English nobility and the Tudor court. The most notable bearer was Thomas Wriothesley, a devious, immoral Earl and politician who served under King Henry VIII.Origin: EnglishMeaning: Wriothesley’s clearingPronunciation: RYE-zleeVariations: Wrythe, RisleyNamesakes: Thomas Wriothesley, the 1st Earl of Southampton, England. Traditional, Fancy ZalkinZalkin is a rare Ashkenazic Jewish surname derived from the Yiddish Zalkind, which itself comes from Salomon (“peace”). It is so unique that those with this surname rarely meet others with the same name outside their own family.Origin: Jewish, YiddishMeaning: PeacePronunciation: ZHAL-kinVariations: Zalkind Religious, Badass ZapletalZapletal is a Czech surname meaning “limping” or “hobbling,” indicating it comes from an ancestor with this trait. This name highlights how surnames capture family history and traits, carrying their stories through time.Origin: CzechMeaning: LimpingPronunciation: ZAP-leh-tal Strange, Unique ZephyrZephyr is derived from Zephyrus — the Greek god of the west wind. It’s among the rarest surnames on our list, with few known bearers. This airy family name emphasizes the importance of mythology and nature in naming traditions.Origin: GreekMeaning: West windPronunciation: ZEF-herVariations: Zephir, Zephyrus Mystical, Badass, Natural

Rare German Surname? : r/Genealogy - Reddit

Badass, Strong PoggialiPoggiali suggests ancestral ties to hilly or mountainous regions in Italy. This reflects a common naming practice in Italy, where surnames describe the family’s location or the nature of the area where the ancestors lived.Origin: ItalianMeaning: Dwellers by the hillsPronunciation: poh-gee-AH-lee Cute, Unique, Natural QuenbyQuenby originates from Whenby near York, England, known as Quennebi in 1086 and Quenby in 1338. Meaning “woman’s farmstead” or “woman’s village,” Quenby may suggest a matriarchal significance or a female-dominated settlement in medieval England.Origin: Old Norse, EnglishMeaning: Woman’s villagePronunciation: KWEN-bee Mystical, Beautiful QuillenQuillen is a badass option among our uncommon last names, possibly referring to an ancestor known for hunting bear cubs or symbolizing youth and vitality. This traditional name carries a unique heritage, linking bearers to wildlife and the natural world.Origin: IrishMeaning: Descendant of the cubPronunciation: KWIL-len Badass, Natural, Strong QuispeQuispe is a surname from the Quechua people, native to the Andes in South America. It’s fairly common there but rare worldwide, showing the unique heritage and language of the Quechua culture.Origin: QuechuaMeaning: FreePronunciation: KEE-spe Traditional, Unique RannebargerRannebarger was likely an Americanized form of a German surname, possibly from “Ranne” combined with the German “-berger” (mountain, hill). The descendants of this ancestor are almost exclusively found in Illinois and Ohio.Origin: German, EnglishMeaning: UnknownPronunciation: RAN-uh-bar-ger Unique, Strange, Complicated RawlinsonRawlinson is a patronymic English surname meaning “Rowland’s son,” linked to the Middle English name Raulin or Rollinson. It may also come from the Germanic Ralph, meaning “advice of the wolf.” It’s mainly found in northwestern England.Origin: EnglishMeaning: Rowland’s sonPronunciation: RAW-lin-sonVariations: Raulin, Rollinson, RalphNamesakes: Sir Henry Rawlinson, a senior British Army officer in World War I. Badass, Traditional RuggerRugger may be an Anglicized form of the Italian Ruggieri or Ruggeri. Both are derived from Ruggiero, the Italian equivalent of Roger (“famous spear”). This mysterious surname has a powerful ring to it!Origin: Italian, EnglishMeaning: Famous spearPronunciation: RUG-erVariations: Ruggieri, Ruggeri Unique, Strange, Strong SacheverellSacheverell is an aristocratic surname of Norman French origin, introduced into England after the Norman Conquest. The original bearer likely had an occupation related to deer hunting or trading deer meat.Origin: FrenchMeaning: Sacking the. Looking for rare German surnames? The following are some of the rare German surnames – besides, some of these surnames could emanate from the first name making them unique and Looking for rare German surnames? The following are some of the rare German surnames – besides, some of these surnames could emanate from the first name making them unique and

The common, uncommon, funny, rare and strangest German surnames

All surnames with 'G' Gestman: What does the surname Gestman mean?The last name Gestman is a Jewish surname originating from central and eastern European countries such as Germany, Poland, and Hungary. The origin of the name comes from the German word Geste which refers to someone involved in trading or handing merchandise. It can also be used to describe an innkeeper or an entrepreneur, or someone lavish and generous.The surname likely found its way to Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages as people settled there, making it their new home. It was adopted as a Jewish name by those who had converted to the Jewish faith in countries such as Poland and Hungary. In Poland and Hungary, Gestman was spelled “Gostman” and the “G” was replaced by a “J” after the Jews were forced to adopt surnames during the 19th century. Gestman is a common name among the Ashkenazi Jews in Eastern Europe and is found today in both Jewish and non-Jewish populations. The name has spread to countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Israel, and Canada due to increased migration over the years. Gestman is a surname that has been passed down through generations in often uncertain and difficult times. It has survived as an emblem of resilience and endurance among its bearers.Order DNA origin analysisGestman: Where does the name Gestman come from?The surname Gestman is quite rare and not commonly found across the globe. The exact origin of the surname is not easily identifiable, although it could potentially have Germanic or Jewish roots based on the composition and phonetics of the name. The name possibly could be a compound of 'Gest' (a middle high German term for a stranger or guest) and 'man' (a common suffix in surnames, often referring to a worker or inhabitant). However, this is purely speculative without further genealogical research. Today, the surname Gestman might be found in various countries in small numbers, including the United States, based on online residential listing databases. In general, the distribution of the name is very sparse and does not significantly concentrate in one single geographical area. As with any surname, the best way to determine its origin and prevalence is through in-depth genealogical research, as migration, transliteration, and regional variations can significantly affect the distribution and evolution of surnames.Variations of the surname GestmanThe surname Gestman could potentially have several variations, depending on geographic location, translation, phonetics, and historical changes. The variants could include Gastman, Gostman, Gastmann, Gostmann, Gestmann, Gestmen, Ghestman, Geistman, Geistmann and others. These alterations could result from transcription errors or deliberate changes made due to emigration, immigration, or other significant events. The suffix "-man" or "-mann" are common in Germanic surnames, and "Gest-", "Gast-", "Gost-" and "Geist-" could be derived from different root words. For instance, "Geist" in German means "spirit" or "ghost", and "-mann" often denotes "man" or "worker". Gest or Gast can refer to "guest" in German language, while Gost is a language characterisation more corresponding to Eastern European and Slavic

Why are patronymic surnames so rare in German (e.g - Reddit

Highlights a strong historical connection to the region.Origin: EnglishMeaning: Homestead of Ketter’s peoplePronunciation: KET-er-ing-ham Traditional, Fancy KipianiKipiani comes from the noble House of Kipiani, which dates back to the 7th-century. It’s ultimately from the Georgian word “kipi” (proud). If you have this rare surname, you may come from nobility!Origin: GeorgianMeaning: Son of Kipa, proudPronunciation: kee-pee-AH-neeNamesakes: David Kipiani, a Georgian and Soviet football midfielder and manager. Fancy, Traditional KrikorianKrikorian, an Armenian surname meaning “son of the screamer,” implies an ancestor had a loud voice. Far from boring, those named Krikorian likely have a vibrant and exciting history.Origin: ArmenianMeaning: Son of the screamerPronunciation: KREE-kor-ian Badass, Strange KrimmingerKrimminger arrived in the U.S. pre-Revolution from a single ancestor, later taking on variations like Grimminger and Crimminger. Its deep genealogical roots emphasize a story of migration and lasting family ties.Origin: GermanMeaning: UnknownPronunciation: KRIM-ming-erVariations: Grimminger, CrimmingerPopularity: Krimminger is very uncommon, primarily found in the United States. Traditional, Strong LefebvreLefebvre is an occupational French surname for an iron-worker or smith, originating from the Old French “fevre” (craftsman). While it’s more common in France, its presence is rare globally.Origin: FrenchMeaning: IronworkerPronunciation: lah-FEV-rahNamesakes: Henri Lefebvre, a French Marxist philosopher and sociologist. Complicated LlamasLlamas comes from an area named Llamas in Asturias, Spain, meaning “mud.” It can also mean “flames,” from a Spanish nickname. This name reflects a family’s roots in this Spanish region or may refer to the fiery characteristics of an ancestor.Origin: SpanishMeaning: Mud, flamePronunciation: YAH-masVariations: Lamas Cute, Natural LerstrømLerstrøm is one of the rarest surnames on our list, with only ten known bearers. The family likely chose it during a Danish government initiative to diversify common surnames like Hansen. Although obscure, Lerstrøm’s lovely meaning sets it apart.Origin: DanishMeaning: Clay streamPronunciation: LEHR-strum Natural, Unique LyerlyLyerly dates back to before the U.S. Revolution, coming from a single immigrant ancestor. Although its spelling has changed many times, Lyerly remains one of the most unique, making it a distinctive option among uncommon American last names.Origin: German, EnglishMeaning: UnknownPronunciation: LIE-er-leeVariations: Lyerla, Lyerle, Leyerle, Lily, Lyla Cute, Beautiful MacQuoidMacQuoid has obscure origins, possibly derived from Gaelic, indicating paternal lineage (“son of Uid”). This

Strange German Surnames - German Culture

Various meanings depending on the character used.115. Jabashiri This name is inspired by the Japanese word jabashiri, which means ‘a place where sand collapses quickly.’ This last name may be inspired by the beach and hence, is apt for sea lovers.116. Jahana This Japanese family name could mean ‘apologize,’ ‘thank,’ ‘refuse,’ and ‘flower’ according to the kanji used to write the name. It is mainly used in the Okinawa region of Japan.117. Jibiki From the Japanese letters meaning ‘letter’ and ‘pull,’ this unique last name refers to a dictionary. This surname could be considered for a person who dedicates themselves to study.118. Jifuku This optimistic Japanese family name means ‘ground,’ ‘earth,’ ‘blessing,’ ‘fortune,’ and ‘luck.’ This surname may relate to farmers and those working with the earth.119. JiganeImage: Momjunction Design TeamA variant reading of Samuraigane, this powerful Japanese surname means ‘warrior’ and ‘money.’ It could possibly refer to a wealthy warrior.120. Jige Another name related to the earth, Jige means ‘ground,’ ‘below,’ ‘down,’ and ‘under.’ The surname could refer to invoking the blessings of the earth.121. Jikihara Jikihara is a positive Japanese surname that means ‘honesty,’ ‘frankness,’ ‘fix,’ ‘meadow,’ and ‘field.’ Possibly given as an occupational name to farmers, this Japanese surname is one of the more popular ones in Japan.122. Jikumaru This unique Japanese family name means ‘axis,’ ‘pivot,’ ‘stem,’ ‘round,’ and ‘perfection.’ It is a common surname in Japan.123. Jimboh Another variant of Jimbō, this family name means ‘deity’ and ‘treasure.’ These surnames possibly refer to god as a treasure for mankind.124. Jimbo Jimbo is a variant reading of Jimbō, which comes from Shimpo. This surname means ‘deity,’ ‘god,’ and ‘treasure.’125. Jimbou This quirky last name ends with a -u and is considered the rare variant of Jimbo. These surnames can be interchangeably used.126. Jimuta Pronounced as JEE-MOO-TA, this Japanese last name uses the phonetic character ji with the element muta, which means ‘wetland’ or ‘bog.’127. Jimyou This stylish family name has several meanings according to the kanji used. It means ‘hold,’ ‘possess,’ ‘bright,’ clear,’ and ‘obvious.’128. Jinboh Another variant of Jinbo, this rare Japanese last name is pronounced as JEEM-BO. However, is a rarely used surname in Japan.129. Jinbo Surprisingly, Jinbo is another variant of Jimbo and means ‘deity’ and ‘treasure.’ It is pronounced either as JEEN-BO or JEEM-BO.130. Jinbou This surname could be considered a variant of Jimbou. These surnames are rare and are pronounced as JEEM-BO.131. Jinguji Also spelled as Jingūji in English, this Japanese last name could mean ‘God’s palace of the director.’ It is pronounced as GIN-GOO-JHE.132. Jin Jin is a rare Japanese surname that means ‘rank’ or ‘battle array.’ It is one of the few Japanese surnames related to war or conflicts.133. Jinnouchi Pronounced as JIN-NOH-OO-CHEE, this Japanese surname means ‘camp’ and ‘inside.’ The -no- sound is considered a phonetic element.134. Jinushi Jinushi is a common Japanese surname that means ‘ground,’ ‘earth,’ ‘master,’ and ‘owner.’ It is one of the names related to the earth and may be given to a family

List of Surnames in Dictionary of German-Jewish Surnames

Follow our tutorial to convert your GEDCOM to a spreadsheet.This needs a little technical know-how. If its too daunting, you can allow us to do it for you for a small fee – see the next section.This will give you a list of every person in your tree. If you want the distinct list of surnames, then Method 4: Upload Your GEDCOM To UsYou can use our paid service to convert your GEDCOM to a spreadsheet. This gives you a list of surnames along with these features:Surname frequency report.Word clouds based on name frequency.A separate list of your direct ancestral line.A five and six-generation pedigree family tree you can print on a single page.A seven-generation family tree that prints across two pages.Use The Spreadsheet To Create A Unique List Of SurnamesYou now have a spreadsheet with a list of people. Surnames are probably repeated multiple times.These three steps will give you a unique list of last names. Step 1: create a new worksheet for the unique listStart by copying the surname column in your worksheet into a new tab or spreadsheet.Step 2: remove blank rowsIf you have entries with a first name and no last name, you will have blank rows in the column. At this point, I like to remove them.Here are the simple steps to remove blank lines in Excel.Step 3: eliminate duplicatesThis is the key step to get a list of unique surnames.Follow these steps to eliminate duplicate rows in Excel.Check How a Surname Ranks In PopularityYou can now do some neat stuff with your unique list of surnames.One of the things I like to do is identify how rare some of these surnames are in the United States or Ireland. These tend to be easier to research.Our website has a simple online tool that tells you how a single surname ranks in the 2000 and 2010 U.S. census. There are quick instructions and examples in our article on “how rare is my last name?“It’s not a complicated tool, so you might just want to jump straight into it. Here’s the link to the surname ranking tool.Want to check all your surnames?It would be a bit tedious to use our tool to check lots of names. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.Here is our tutorial that automates checking how rare all surnames are in your family tree.. Looking for rare German surnames? The following are some of the rare German surnames – besides, some of these surnames could emanate from the first name making them unique and Looking for rare German surnames? The following are some of the rare German surnames – besides, some of these surnames could emanate from the first name making them unique and

German surnames with von. Most common surnames from

Francis: Pope Francis is the name of the 266th pope of the Catholic Church and is known for this religious administration in Rome.He is the sovereign of the Vatican City State and Jesuit pope. He is the first person from the America to become a pope as well as the first one from the Southern Hemisphere to hold the office since Syrian Gregory III.67. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands: Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti is the current sovereign of the Netherlands. She was born in Buenos Aires in 1971. Rare Argentinian Surnames Understanding the family names and last names can assist you with finding and recognizing your ancestors in Argentine records. In Argentina people uses Argentinian names that are inspired by various other origins including Latin American surnames, South American surnames, central American last names.68. Acuña (Latin origin) meaning "wedge". This is one of the earliest Spanish surnames recorded in the New World.69. Aguero (Old Latin origin) meaning "well-watered (settlement)". This Latin surname is one of the simple names.70. Arce ( Spanish origin) meaning "stony place". One of the most rare last names.71. Avila (Spanish origin) meaning "from Davila, a topographic name for someone from a town or village, da vila".72. Ayala (Hebrew origin) meaning "female deer", or "hillside or pasture".73. Barrios (Spanish origin) meaning "outlying suburb" or "dependent village".74. Blanco (Spanish origin) meaning "white". Another of the rare last names.75. Bravo (Spanish and Portuguese origin) meaning "fierce", "violent", or "courageous".76. Bustos (Spanish origin) meaning "meadow", or "willow".77. Campos (Spanish and Portuguese origin) meaning "fields". One of the uncommon last names.78. Chavez (Ancient Portuguese origin) meaning "keys".79. Cruz (Iberian origin) meaning "cross". The surname name also refers to either the Christian cross or the figure of transecting lines or ways.80. Delgado (Spanish origin) meaning "thin and skinny". One of the rare last names.81. Duarte (Old English origin) meaning "rich guard", or "guardian of his property".82. Escobar (Spanish origin) meaning "for someone who lived in a place overgrown with a broom".83. Farias (Portuguese and Spanish origin) meaning "beacon", or "lighthouse".84. Franco (Italian, Portuguese and Spanish origin) meaning "frank".85. Guzman (Spanish origin) meaning "good

German Surnames - Behind the Name

Roe deerPronunciation: SASH-uh-vahr-ahlVariations: Sachverell, Sacheverel Fancy, Traditional ShinsekiShinseki, meaning “new barrier” or “new dam,” illustrates the Japanese tradition of choosing surnames from geographical features or occupations during the Meiji era. It may have been initially associated with a toll worker. In Japanese, Shinseki is pronounced the same as the word for “relative,” highlighting the importance of context.Origin: JapaneseMeaning: The new barrierPronunciation: SHIN-seh-keeNamesakes: Eric Shinseki, a former United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Unique, Complicated, Traditional SilvertantSilvertant is a corruption of the Dutch “zilveren tant” (silver tooth). It may have been a descriptive surname for an ancestor with a silver tooth. Although unpopular, Silvertant is quite beautiful – perfect for a fantasy character.Origin: DutchMeaning: Silver toothPronunciation: SIL-ver-tantVariations: Silvertand, ZilvertandPopularity: There are only 51 people in the Netherlands and 121 in the U.S. bearing the name. Badass, Unique SombrereroSombrerero comes from the Spanish word for “hatmaker,” suggesting an occupational tie to hat making. It’s an unusual name, primarily used by families of Mexican descent.Origin: SpanishMeaning: HatmakerPronunciation: som-bre-RE-ro Traditional, Strange, Cute SvanbergSvanberg is a picturesque Swedish surname combining “svan” (swan) with “berg” (mountain, hill). This ornamental name is indicative of Scandinavia’s deep appreciation for nature.Origin: SwedishMeaning: Swam mountainPronunciation: SVAN-burg, SVAN-bair-ee Natural, Beautiful TakanashiTakanashi is a Japanese surname meaning “little birds play,” painting a picture of small birds frolicking freely without predators. Interestingly, it also means “there is no eagle,” adding depth to its interpretation. This nature-inspired name conveys a peaceful, natural harmony, highlighting a profound respect for nature.Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Little birds playPronunciation: tah-kah-NAH-shee Natural, Cute TieckDerived from the Middle High German “tiech” (ditch), Tieck likely initially identified ditch diggers. Its most famous bearer is poet Ludwig Tieck, a key figure in the German Romantic movement.Origin: GermanMeaning: DitchPronunciation: TEEKNamesakes: Ludwig Tieck, a renowned German poet, translator, editor, and novelist. Natural, Strange TornarTornar originated from the English surname Turner, linked to the craft of working with a lathe. Coincidentally, it shares its meaning with the Italian and Spanish verb “tornar,” meaning “to return” or “to turn,” reflecting the surname’s occupational roots.Origin: EnglishMeaning: Lathe workerPronunciation: TOR-narVariations: Turner, Durner, Tourneur, Van Tornar Unique, Traditional TrevelyanThis rare Cornish. Looking for rare German surnames? The following are some of the rare German surnames – besides, some of these surnames could emanate from the first name making them unique and Looking for rare German surnames? The following are some of the rare German surnames – besides, some of these surnames could emanate from the first name making them unique and

German Surnames Starting With W

The U.S. census lets us figure out what are the rarest names in America.Are you looking for uncommon names for a story? The chances are low that you or anyone you know will have met someone with one of these names.If you are wondering about a specific name, we have a separate article on how to check how rare your last name is.Rarest Last Names In AmericaRare American Last Names Starting With ARare American Surnames Starting With BStarting With CBeginning With DBeginning With EBeginning With FBeginning with GBeginning with HBeginning with IBeginning with JBeginning with KBeginning with LBeginning with MBeginning with NBeginning with OBeginning with PBeginning with QBeginning with RBeginning with SBeginning with TBeginning with UBeginning with VBeginning With WBeginning with XBeginning with YBeginning with ZThese 1,279 names belong to only one hundred persons in the United States census of 2010.This makes them amongst the rarest of last names in America. Some may be spelling variants of more common names.If you’re curious about names that are even more rare, check out our separate list of last names that are nearly extinct in America.Ethnicities in the censusThe 2010 census gave a breakdown of how people reported their ethnicity. Many of these names were predominantly of one heritage.We’ve included multiple ethnicities in the tables below when they are above 20%. The ethnicities are listed in descending order of percentage.By the way, “Asian & PI” stand for “Asian and Pacific Islander”.Rare American Last Names Starting With AAltmark is an interesting name in this section. It is Germanic in origin. Historically, the name described a region near Hamburg.People from that area would have taken the name.The name is perhaps best known for the “Altmark Incident” that occurred in 1940 during the Second World War. A German tanker named Altmark was boarded by the British navy to rescue prisoners of war.Last NameHighest Heritage %AarsethWhiteAbarraHispanic, AsianAbbarnoWhiteAbdalianWhiteAbdikarimBlackAbdulhameedBlack, White, AsianAbelliWhiteAcottWhiteAdamchickWhiteAddymanWhiteLast NameHighest Heritage %AdenekanBlackAfifyWhiteAgapovWhiteAguzziWhiteAiyerAsian & PIAkturkWhiteAlagozWhiteAlazarBlack, HispanicAlbanesiWhiteAlberaWhiteAlcibarHispanicLast NameHighest Heritage %AleszczykWhiteAlfoneWhiteAllabandWhiteAllemonWhiteAlopAsian & PIAlsaedyWhiteAlsingWhiteAlspuroHispanicAltieroWhiteAltmarkWhiteAluruAsian & PIApprill is probably a spelling variant of April which is derived from the Latin “Aprilis” (and refers to the month).Angliss has more popular variants like Inglis and English. The origins of Inglis are in Scotland, where the name was conferred on people from England.Last NameHighest Heritage %AmarandoWhiteAmidWhiteAmmenWhiteAmspokerWhiteAnanthanarayanaAsian & PIAndreottolaWhiteAngaiakNativeAngelidisWhiteAnglissWhiteAnsardiWhiteLast NameHighest Heritage %AnsethWhiteAntanaitisWhiteApprillWhiteAragakiAsian & PIAranteAsian & PIArdolfWhiteArellaWhite, HispanicArgerisWhiteAripezHispanicArlittWhiteLast NameHighest Heritage %ArnejaAsian & PIAropBlackArrottWhiteAsciollaWhiteAshesNativeAsinasAsian & PIAssanBlack, HispanicAtonalHispanicAudaWhiteAunspaughWhiteAvanzinoWhiteAydemirWhiteIf you want more, check out our detailed look at ten rare