What is the meaning of "Stein" in Jewish names?

Question

I have noticed that usage of "Stein" is quite commmon in Jewish surnames, although every bearer of the name might choose a different pronunciation. Even my favourite scientist, Einstein, has an almost double dose of it in his name. What is the meaning of "Stein" in Jewish names? What does it stand for? Is there any religious or historic significance of this prefix (pardon me if it's a wrong word) in Jewish names?

Answer 1

It means stone.

It certainly has nothing to do with a drinking vessel; that is pure idiocy.

Answer 2

The poster above really doesn't know what he is talking about. Yahweh isn't a name at all. It's an attempt to fill out the Tetragrammaton YHVH. You will not find it ANYWHERE in Jewish writings - only in Christian translations. The purpose of writing L-rd or G-d arose in writing. It is considered very disrespectful to write the full word on paper where it might be thrown away. Tanakhs are handled with special respect - I can't recall the custom for disposal off the top of my head. There is disagreement as to whether that custom is really necessary online because the words are only virtual, but definitely if written on paper. Letting the titles be destroyed casually would be *greatly* disrespectful. Hopefully some of Jewish contacts will answer this and elaborate more fully. HaShem is used in writing because it is a reference to the name or title, not the name or title itself.

Answer 3

I think it means "stone". As far as I know this doesn't have any religious significance, but it was common for people to base names on nature back in the day.

Answer 4

literally meaning stone, is a shortened form of Steinzeugkrug or stoneware tankard; generally expanded to mean any drinking vessel with a handle and an attached lid; a lidless stein did have, or was intended to have, a lid that is now missing; contrast with mug, beaker and pokal.

Answer 5

Stein means STONE from the German.

Answer 6

It mean, "of the money".