Discover people named Josef Berger

The last name Berger has its origins in the German and Yiddish languages, deriving from the Middle High German word "berc," meaning "mountain" or "hill," and is often associated with the occupation of a "mountain dweller" or "one who lives near a hill." This surname is prevalent in Germany, France, and other parts of Europe, particularly among Jewish communities, where it may have been adopted as a surname during the 18th and 19th centuries. The name reflects geographical features and may also indicate a connection to pastoral or agricultural lifestyles, as many early bearers of the name were likely involved in farming or herding in hilly regions. Variations of the surname include Berger in German-speaking countries, Béranger in France, and the Yiddish variant Berg, which may also appear as Bergman or Bergmann in some contexts. These variations highlight the name's adaptability across different cultures and languages, while maintaining its core association with elevated landscapes.