Ashkenazi Jewish Last Names - Where Do They Come From?

When you hear someone's last name, do you think it sounds Jewish? What would make a last name sound Jewish?

The vast majority of Ashkenazi Jews didn't even have last names until about 1787. Names of Eastern European descent have common characteristics that result in the ability to generalize about the sound of Jewish last names.

This video explores the origin of many Ashkenazi Jewish names and explains how they were derived from place names, patronymic and matronymic first names, occupations, and physical characteristics.

Does this explain the origin of your name? Enjoy!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.