And aren’t “Meier”, “Schulze” and “Schmidt” possibly just as interesting?

Johannes B. Kerner explored why we are called what we are called in the 90-minute show Deutschland
Deine Namen. Together with Leipzig name researcher Prof. Dr. Jürgen Udolph, who holds the only chair for onomastics in Germany, he asked four prominent candidates and the audience questions about the meaning and origin of names.

Where does the name “Pinkernelle” come from? Do you have to be ashamed of “Fettich” or “Eigensinn”? What do the names “Grönemeyer”, “Semmelrogge” and “Beckenbauer” actually mean?

Behind every name are exciting, sometimes curious stories that the players had to decipher in a humorous and imaginative way. In addition to quizzes and anecdotes, scientific facts and facts from name research were also presented in an entertaining way, explaining the diversity and history of the surnames.