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Jewish last names often have rich histories and origins, reflecting various cultures and languages. Here are some famous Jewish last names, along with brief explanations of their meanings or origins:

1. Cohen: Derived from the Hebrew word “Kohen,” meaning priest. Traditionally, this surname indicates descent from the priestly caste among the Jewish people.
2. Levi/Levy: Comes from the Hebrew tribe of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Levites had specific religious duties in the temple.
3. Goldberg: A name of German origin, meaning “gold mountain.” It was often adopted by Jewish families in German-speaking areas.
4. Katz: An acronym for “Kohen Tzedek,” which means “righteous priest” in Hebrew. This surname is often associated with descendants of the priestly class.
5. Rosenberg: A German name meaning “rose mountain.” Like Goldberg, it’s a name adopted by Jewish families in Germanic regions.
6. Schwartz: From the German word for “black,” this surname was often used to describe someone with dark hair or complexion.
7. Weiss: Meaning “white” in German, this name could have been used to describe someone with a fair complexion or hair.
8. Friedman/Freedman: Meaning “free man” in German, this name may have been adopted by those who were emancipated from various forms of servitude.
9. Silverstein/Silverman: Meaning “silver stone” or “silver person,” these names reflect occupations or characteristics associated with silver, possibly indicating a silversmith or trader in silver goods.
10. Horowitz: A locational surname referring to people from a place called Horovice in Czech Republic.

These names, with their varied origins and meanings, reflect the diverse backgrounds and histories of Jewish communities around the world.