Jewish surnames often reflect the diverse cultural and historical backgrounds of Jewish communities. Many surnames are derived from occupations, places, or personal characteristics. For example, names like Cohen indicate a priestly lineage, while others like Levi signify descent from the tribe of Levi. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many Jews in Europe were required to adopt fixed surnames for legal and administrative purposes. This led to the creation of many surnames that are now common, such as Goldstein or Rosenberg, which often incorporate elements related to nature, colors, or precious materials.