Germanic surnames are family names that originated from the Germanic peoples of Europe, including groups like the Goths, Franks, and Saxons. These surnames often reflect characteristics such as occupation, location, or personal traits. For example, names like Schmidt (meaning "smith") indicate a profession, while Berg (meaning "mountain") may denote a geographical feature. Many Germanic surnames have evolved over centuries and can be found in various forms across different countries. They often include prefixes or suffixes that signify lineage or origin, such as von (meaning "from") or sen (indicating "son of"). This rich history contributes to the diversity of surnames in modern German-speaking regions.