Die Deutschen Familiennamen, geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich

A comprehensive study of German family names that explains their origins, structural elements, and historical development while offering a reference lexicon of name components. The first part analyzes name formation across three layers—ancient personal-name roots, church-derived and foreign influences, and later occupational, descriptive, and toponymic surnames—treating diminutives, genitive forms, Latinizations, and other adaptations. It also maps regional distribution and variation using collected name data and discusses continuity and change in naming practices. The second part presents an organized catalogue of common elements and examples to illustrate etymology and morphological development.