Does having a Jewish surname mean you are Jewish?

Question:

Does having a Jewish surname mean you are Jewish?

I found about 10 different jewish surnames on the family tree i been working on. Not sure if it means anything or if its just a coincidence.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Means nothing until you do more research. Check the local church registers for baptisms, marriages and burials. If there's an Abraham Hammerman being baptized in a Lutheran church in Gniezno, Abraham's a Lutheran.

What many consider "Jewish" names are really German names. Some became very common among a group of German Jews called Ashkenazim who originally came from the Rhineland. They spoke a form of German called Yiddish. Names like Goldstein, Silverman and Koch were common Ashkenazi names. But that doesn't mean the names were exclusive to that group. Koch is just as much Catholic and Lutheran as it is Jewish. Among the Catholics and Lutherans it was usually pronounced "Cook", among the Ashkenazi it was usually pronounced "Kotch" (like the former mayor of NYC).

Could you have Jewish ancestors? Sure. Is it common in Europe? Sure. Are names definitely indicative of religion? No. Only research with religious records will help you determine your ancestors' religious beliefs.