Why Did Jews Keep Their German Last Names? Unpacking the Layers of Tradition and Identity
For many people, the idea of Jews retaining German last names is a fascinating, yet often misunderstood phenomenon. This article delves into the reasons behind this cultural retention, exploring the complexity of Jewish identity and the diversity within the Jewish people.
Introduction to the Complexity of Jewish Names
The question of why some Jews kept their German last names is rarely a straightforward one. It is important to understand that this was a complex issue, with varying reasons and circumstances leading to different choices. Many Jews did not have German names initially, and for those who did, maintaining these names was a personal decision influenced by their heritage, cultural context, and historical experiences.
Myth and Reality: Why Some Jews Kept Their German Names
It is a common misconception that all Jews must have German names. This is false, as many Jews, both historical and contemporary, came from diverse backgrounds. Some individuals and families did indeed keep their German names, while others chose to adopt different names or anglicize their existing ones.
A Personal Perspective
Speaking from a personal standpoint, my late grandfather Julius Blumenthal, for instance, was born into a family whose roots went back to Italy during the time of the Italian Inquisition. His family tree was extensive and detailed, and they held their German Jewish names as a cherished part of their heritage. Julius would not have changed the name Blumenthal for any reason, reflecting a deep-rooted connection to their past.
Kept for Heritage
There were families, like that of my son-in-law, who adopted a German-sounding name despite non-German origins. This name is a testimony to their pride in and appreciation for their German Jewish heritage. This is a clear example of how sentiment and cultural identity play a significant role in the retention of names.
The Diversity of Jewish Naming Traditions
It is crucial to recognize that Jewish last names can have various origins, often reflecting the specific historical and cultural context of the individuals or families. Some Jews had Polish, Russian, Italian, Spanish, English, Ethiopian, and Hebrew names. Those who had German names kept them because these names were familiar and integral to their identity.
German-Derived Names and Yiddish
Those who spoke Yiddish, particularly in ultra-Orthodox communities, not only kept their German-derived names but also continued to speak Yiddish, a language derived from Medieval High German. Names like Katz, which sounds like German Katze (cat), is actually a version of Kohen/Cohen/Kahn/Kahana. Horovits is another example, derived from the Yiddish name of the Czech town of Hoovice. In different parts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the name was spelled variously as Horowitz/Hurwitz/Harowitz, and in Russia, it became Gurvich/Gurevich.
Adapting and Anglicizing Names
When Jewish people emigrated to the United States or Britain, many chose to anglicize their surnames or translate them into English to blend in. For those who kept their names, there was often no obvious alternative. Jewish people traditionally used patronymics, such as Cohen (priest) and Levi (levite), which were originally status indicators rather than fixed surnames.
Yiddish Influence on Names
Yiddish, a distinct language with roots in Medieval High German, often seemed distorted to German speakers due to its unique pronunciation and the influence of Slavic languages. For instance, the name Dimanshtayn might sound like Diamantstein to German speakers, while Bronshtayn would be recognized as the correct spelling of Lyov Trotsky's original name, Braunstein. This linguistic complexity is a testament to the rich diversity of the Yiddish language.
Slavic-Sounding Names
Many Eastern European Jews had Slavic or Slavic-sounding names due to the cultural and linguistic influences in their region. For example, my paternal grandmother's photographs taken by the renowned Jewish-American photographer J.D. Toloff reveal the name TOOCZKO, which is what his family's name was when they lived in Russian Poland. This name was a challenge for the Americans, so he ultimately changed it to Toloff.
Understanding the reasons behind the retention of German last names among Jewish individuals is essential for appreciating their complex cultural heritage and the diverse factors that influenced their lives. Whether keeping, changing, or anglicizing names, these choices reflect the personal and communal journeys of Jewish families throughout history.