Albert Heintze’s comprehensive study of German family names examines their historical origins, geographical distribution across German-speaking lands, and linguistic derivation from Germanic, Latin, and Slavic roots. He traces the development of hereditary surnames from the medieval period through the early modern era, analysing occupational names, place names, and patronymics as evidence of social history and migration patterns.
An essential reference for genealogists, historians of German-speaking Europe, and linguists interested in onomastics. Note: this text is in German.