Why do Germans have so many occupational surnames? (i.e. Fischer/Fisher, Koch/Cook, Weber/Weaver, Kohler/Charcoal seller, etc.)

by bollocking
osmuconarora

In most societies names are drawn from- e.g. English(which has Germanic as well as many other roots) 1-place(Mr Bedford), 2-relationships(Harris-could be place as well as Harry's (son), 3-personal attributes(Mr Redhead) 4-and jobs(classic -Smith)-are the Germans any different?