Metzger is a German surname that literally translates to “butcher.” It is a common occupational surname, indicating that an ancestor of the family was involved in the meat industry. The name may have also been used as a nickname for someone with a strong or fierce personality. Today, the surname is found all over the world, with notable bearers including German footballer Thomas Metzger and American musician John Metzger. Despite its origins, many individuals with the surname Metzger today may have no connection to the butcher trade.