Ashkenazi surnames are family names commonly associated with Jews of Central and Eastern European descent. These surnames often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical influences of the regions where Ashkenazi Jews lived, such as Yiddish, German, and Polish cultures. Many surnames were derived from occupations, places, or personal characteristics. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many Ashkenazi Jews adopted fixed surnames due to government regulations. This shift helped distinguish families and facilitated record-keeping. Common examples of Ashkenazi surnames include Levine, Goldstein, and Klein, each carrying unique meanings and histories within the Jewish community.