The Memi De-Shalit Database of Jewish Family Names

The Memi De-Shalit Database of Jewish Family Names is the only digital collection of Jewish family names in the world. This unparalleled, world renowned collection of Jewish family names contains nearly 20,000 entries and growing.

The database includes information on the origin and meaning of family names used by Jewish families from all over the world, in many languages.The database holds information about name etymology, word variants, name migration, and earliest known occurrences. In addition, readers may discover other Jews who happen to have the same surname as theirs.

The database of Jewish family names is the result of decades of dedicated work by many experts. The explanations are based on a wide array of sources: scientific researches, onomastic and other dictionaries, Jewish traditional sources etc. as well as information provided by members of the public. As a rule, no explanation has been included into the database unless it is attested by at least two independent sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ANU - Museum of the Jewish People hold documentation proving I am a descendant of Jews expelled from Spain and Portugal?

No. The museum does not have documentation that proves a specific family is a descendant of expellees from Spain or Portugal. Without family tradition or relevant historical documents, this cannot be proven. However, families originating from communities established by the exiles from Spain and Portugal are traditionally considered their descendants.

I want to know the meaning of my family name. How can I find this out?

The museum has a database with meanings of Jewish surnames. You can search the website or visit the study area at the museum lobby. If the name does not appear, you can email us and we will add it to the list of names for future research (with no commitment on a specific date).

I found the meaning of my family name in the Surnames Database. Is this proof that I am Jewish?

No. Many family names are used by both Jews and non-Jews.

I couldn't find the meaning of my family name in your database. Is this proof that I am not Jewish?

No. The database includes about 20,000 names, but not all of them. There are names that have not yet been researched or for which there is no available information.

Based on my family name, can you tell me which tribe my family is from, or if we are Kohanim or not?

No. You should consult a rabbi. There are names (such as Cohen, Levi, Kaplan, Katz, Segal) that are traditionally associated with Kohanim and Levites, but this does not constitute a binding proof.

I want to Hebraize my family name. Can you advise me on this?

The decision to Hebraize a name is personal. Some prefer to maintain the sound or spelling, while others translate the meaning. The database provides the meaning of the original name, but the final choice is up to the family.

Does your information relate only to certain communities in the Jewish people? No. The database includes family names of Jews from all over the diaspora and is updated regularly with new research.