This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Germans family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Germans Family History

Germans Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: German, Germann, Germani, Germany, Germano, Hermans, Germain, Gorman

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Germans family from?

You can see how Germans families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Germans family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Germans families were found in Canada in 1911. In 1891 there were 13 Germans families living in Devon. This was about 72% of all the recorded Germans's in United Kingdom. Devon had the highest population of Germans families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Germans surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Germans ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Laborer and Teacher were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Germans. 45% of Germans men worked as a Laborer and 47% of Germans women worked as a Teacher. Some less common occupations for Americans named Germans were Clerk and Housework.

View Census Data for Germans | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Laborer
    45%
  • Salesman
    9%
  • Waiter
    9%
  • Clerk
    9%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Teacher
    47%
  • Servant
    14%
  • Housekeeper
    14%
  • Housework
    14%

What Germans family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 1,000 census records available for the last name Germans. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Germans census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Germans

Passenger Lists

There are 408 immigration records available for the last name Germans. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Germans immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 25,000 military records available for the last name Germans. For the veterans among your Germans ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Germans military records

You've only scratched the surface of Germans family history

Discover More

What is the average Germans lifespan?

Between 1965 and 1998, in the United States, Germans life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1966, and highest in 1965. The average life expectancy for Germans in 1965 was 88, and 60 in 1998.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Germans

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Germans ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Germans family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial