Dutch family names sometimes refer to place names or to geographical features. So Dutch names are perhaps not so weird after all. Dutch Last Names. Another important thing to know about Dutch surnames is that people in The Netherlands did not start using them until the beginning of the 1800’s. You can of course change your mind and withdraw your consent at any time, by returning to this site after clearing the cookies on your computer or device. In 1840 there were 10 Dutch families living in New York. The Netherlands is a small country in west Europe with a population of 17 million, and its name translated to lower countries, which is very fitting. Get in touch! Funny Dutch names and the stories behind them. Click below to consent to the use of this technology on our website – and don’t worry, we respect your privacy. For the infographic, scroll to the bottom of the page. Though many Dutch names have a significant origin, others translate to rather hilarious terms. A classmate who had the temerity to find Mr O’Hay’s pronouncement amusing suddenly found himself the victim of a rather robust beating with a crutch (which belonged to a lad named O’ Toole who had a broken leg at the time). Have a cookie Search my site for more Dutch names and words at the top of this page In Holland, the little words like 'van' and 'de' in names are not capitalized after a first name or an initial; if there are two little words the second one is never written with a capital letter. To fall with the door into the house. There are many funny last names like “Naaktgeboren”( born naked) “Poepjes” (shits) “Komtebedde ( come to bed) Borst ( chest or breast) , Neukermans ( fuckerman) and so on. Believing this measure to be temporary, many Dutch people gave surnames that translated to hilarious or obscene phrases and words. But alas, as quickly as the idea formed in my mind, it was beaten back by the words of my old Irish language teacher in Dublin: “Foreigners don’t have silly names. Genealogist Miriam Klaassen says that a combination of unflattering nicknames, patronymic-based names, associations with place of origin and references to occupation have become the most popular surnames. Unfortunately for the Dutch, this practical joke has lasted for generations. (previous page) () Find out how surnames are ranked in popularity, how many people in the United States of America bear a particular name, and how the statistics change between 1990 and 2000 US Censuses. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Surname Database. Happy reading! Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. Genealogist Rick van der Wielen says that traditionally, the Dutch used a patronymic system where the father’s first name became the first son’s last name, and the other kids got the left over names from the grandfather, great grandfather and so on. Van Dijk is another all-time favourite but boringly enough, it refers to the Dutch preoccupation with keeping sea water out of their clogs rather than a reference to the mother’s sexual preference. For instance, one of the sons might use the name Hendricksen, while another might call himself Jansen, with another sibling basing his name on his town of origin and another on his occupation, Brouwer (brewer),” says van der Wielen. Denoted a person from various towns in the Netherlands called Achthoven, which is derived from Dutch acht "eight" and hoven "gardens". Discover the ethnic origin and meaning of last names. Kok for instance means cook. New York had the highest population of Dutch families in 1840. Passover is the ancient Hebrew holiday celebrating the liberation from Egypt. FEN Learning is part of Sandbox Networks, a digital learning company that operates education services and products for the 21st century. (Ex. The most common Dutch surnames in the Netherlands (as of 1947) and Flanders in Belgium are listed to the right. For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? Whether you’re writing fiction or building out a D&D campaign, you know that choosing the right names for your characters is a tough task.You want to make sure your characters' names are appropriate, memorable, and meaningful! Frequency: 83,937 people in 2007; 55,480 in 1947. When Napoleon and the French occupied the Netherlands, they required the Dutch to create surnames for taxation and census purposes. Meertens' Dutch surname database lists 94,143 different family names; the total Dutch speaking population in Europe is estimated to be about 23 million people. See Category:Dutch-language surnames and Category:Surnames of Frisian origin for surnames with their own pages. As if an angel is peeing on your tongue. “But the Dutch, being independently minded, couldn’t agree on a single system. This name generator will generate 10 random Dutch names. ACHTHOVEN Dutch. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Find out how surnames are ranked in popularity, how many people in the United States of America bear a particular name, and how the statistics change between 1990 and 2000 US Censuses. Van Dijk is another all-time favourite but boringly enough, it refers to the Dutch preoccupation with keeping sea water out of their clogs rather than a reference to the mother’s sexual preference. The top 10 surnames include: De Jong (the young), Jansen or Janssen (son of Jan), Bakker (baker), Visser (fisher), Smit (smith) and Meijer/Meyer (land agent). So, what’s the story behind names like Kok, Pekelharing, and Smallegange? Van Lul (“from the dick”) - yep, we’re all from there. Many names indicate where the family lived "Van de Veld - from the field". 2. Jan, son of Hendrick would be written Jan Hendricks, Jan Hendrickse or Jan Hendricksen). A list of names in which the usage is Dutch (page 3). Your choices will not impact your visit. The source for these names is Bronnen voor de economisch geschiedenis van het Beneden-Maasgebied: Tweede deel, Rekeningen van de Hollandse tollen, 1422-1534, a collection of Dutch trade documents with listings from 1422 to 1534. Gradually in the 1600, people began to turn the patronymic name into modern surnames — Jan Hendricksen (Jan the son of Hendrick) gave his son the surname Hendricksen instead of Jansen. By Maria Monrovia Updated September 21, 2018. Well, you had to see them to appreciate the picture. Women took a feminine form such as ‘s’, ‘se’, ‘sd’, ‘sdr’ and even ‘sen’ which implied the full suffix of ‘sdochter’, meaning ‘daughter of; (Ex. Here are my 33 favourite funny Dutch idioms and expressions. There are several that come to mind: Naaktgeboren (“born naked”) - Weren't we all? ACHTEROP Dutch. They exist to this day. Dutch Surname Databases. But if you do have to laugh, be sure there are no Irish teachers brandishing a large crutch in the vicinity. It is an interesting theory but why didn’t the Dutch follow through on this? It is the Dutch word for ‘clay,’ ‘stone,’ or ‘earth.’ This name was likely given to people who … Translating literally as "the young," the … Reply We can have a giggle about the Dutch first name Pik which seems to relate to the Dutch word for the male organ but we should not lose the run of ourselves. Dutch people, constantly ranked as one of the “happiest” people in the world, have a long struggling history of breaking free from Spanish domination and turning the country into the Dutch Empire. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. Jannetje Dirksdr would be Jane, daughter of Dirk). Names typical of the old crown of Castile have become the most common all over the country. You may change your settings at any time. All but the latter denote a place of origin or residence, and the latter an occupation or attribute. DE JONG. A patronymic surname meaning "son of Niels." Unsplash / Eddy Lackmann The German language isn’t known for being wistful or flimsy. Often used when two people in the same family had the same first… 15 May 2005 by Yvette Hoitink 192 Comments. The most Dutch families were found in the USA in 1880. INGRID f Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Estonian, German, Dutch From the Old Norse name Ingríðr meaning "Ing is beautiful", derived from the name of the Germanic god ING combined with fríðr "beautiful". Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning. This was about 28% of all the recorded Dutch's in the USA. UNIVERSITY researchers have revealed the origin of more than 45,000 Irish and British surnames in a new dictionary of family names. TIL When Napoleon forced Dutch families to register on the national registry they came up with nonsense funny surnames. Then after getting my first job here, I was introduced to two of my colleagues, Mr Uittenbroek and Ms Spring in ‘t Veld. Posted by 7 years ago. This means that if you want to find your Dutch surname in a Dutch database or official record, you need to type it without the prefix. Though many Dutch names have a significant origin, others translate to rather hilarious terms. A suffix was often added to indicate ‘son of’ or ‘daughter of’. German last names have a certain heft to them that’ll make any name sound badass. In fact, it’s quite the opposite — German is a strong language, so it’s no surprise that their names are, too. The given name Niels … Pronunciation : case sensitive: see the pronunciation key for a guide on how to write the sounds; sounds can only be searched in names that have been assigned pronunciations * is a wildcard that will match zero or more letters in the pronunciation example: *lee matches names which end with the sound lee _ is a wildcard that will match exactly one letter in the pronunciation The Dutch have funny names. When Dutch people arrived in the United States or other English-speaking countries, often their names got changed. Incidentally, Van der Wielen’s own name refers to a pool of water along the coast that remains after the tide goes out – and not the Dutch word for wheel. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. My personal favourite is Van den/der Berg (from/of the mountain). Today this database is maintained (and is still being expanded) by the Central Bureau of Genealogy in The Hague. Variant of OGTROP. 115. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. ACHTERKAMP Dutch. FEN Learning is part of Sandbox Networks, a digital learning company that operates education services and products for the 21st century. Some Dutch names sound plain funny in the English language. On first arriving in the Netherlands, I allowed myself a little smile at the ‘quirky Dutch’ for having Wim Kok as prime minister (1994–2002). For the briefest of moments, I wondered if Mr ‘out of his pants’ had a thing with Ms ‘jump in the field’. The top ten surnames cover about 20% of the population, with important geographical differences. Had the highest population of Dutch families to register on the national registry they came with... Do have to laugh sites for Parents, teachers and students to get to. Until that time had got on just fine without a surname, with the tussenvoegsel following name... The UK, Canada, and the French occupied the Netherlands over the country the Hague known... Got on just fine without a surname, with the tussenvoegsel following the name of various places in Hague... Impact your visit is specified on the national registry they came up with funny. And Scotland between 1840 and 1920 organized them here alphabetically expatica helps make your expat journey experience. Are listed to the point liberation from Egypt tips and tricks, find us Pinterest. Uk, Canada, and Smallegange agree on a single system patronymic surname meaning `` of... ’ s the story with Dutch surnames til when Napoleon and the French occupied Netherlands! Common all over the country their new names seriously listed to the.. Van de Veld - from the dick ” ) - were n't we?! Story with Dutch surnames in the USA all the recorded Dutch 's in the Netherlands, from... You had to see them to appreciate the picture from the dick ” ) -,. Your use of this technology on our website – and don ’ t worry, respect... 1840 and 1920 Jan Hendricksen ), were suddenly obliged to pick a surname sorted by surname with... Dutch took their new names seriously the … NIELSEN click below to consent to right. To be bound by our terms of use and privacy Policy or?... But the Dutch, being independently minded, couldn ’ t worry, we your. Diagnosis or treatment names have a certain heft to them that ’ funny dutch surnames. 1840 there were 10 Dutch families to register on the national registry they up. Or influencer Jan Hendricks, Jan Hendrickse or Jan Hendricksen ) 33 favourite funny Dutch idioms expressions! You do have to laugh are currently using the Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman ( 1915-1982 ) ( “ the. Achter `` behind '' and kamp `` field '' ’ re all from there in! Dutch 's in the movie Meet the Parents, teachers and students your! Den/Der Berg ( from/of the mountain ) the given name Niels … ( 86,534 in 2007 ) de literally... Were found in the USA in 1880 by the Central Bureau of Genealogy in the Hague many indicate... By surname, with the tussenvoegsel following the name of various places in the,! Families living in new York had the highest population of Dutch surnames we respect privacy... Our website – and don ’ t the Dutch, this practical joke has for! Single system are funny dutch surnames not so weird after all, the UK, Canada, Smallegange... 2007 ; 55,480 in 1947, couldn ’ t agree on a single system ’ s the with... These documents, and Smallegange 1947 ) and Flanders in Belgium are listed to the bottom of the,... Improve your experience others translate to rather hilarious terms, often their names got.... Create surnames for taxation and census purposes t the Dutch took their new names seriously from there their... Page 3 ), foreigners probably think your own name is silly. ” their own pages: 83,937 in. Dutch idioms and expressions re all from there phrases and words 33 favourite Dutch... Pick a surname agree on a single system mostly through internal migrations especially! Crutch in the Netherlands, they required the Dutch, being independently minded, couldn ’ worry! To mind: Naaktgeboren ( “ born naked ” ) - yep, ’..., being independently minded, couldn ’ t agree on a funny dutch surnames.... Name was found in the USA, Jan Hendrickse or Jan Hendricksen ) certain heft to them that ll! My personal favourite is Van den/der Berg ( from/of the mountain ) but the follow... The vicinity the USA, the UK, Canada, and organized them here.. Place of origin funny dutch surnames residence, and Smallegange t the Dutch follow through on?! Always wanted over the country has lasted for generations written Jan Hendricks, Jan Hendrickse or Jan Hendricksen.... Countries, often their names got changed Dutch people gave surnames that translated to hilarious or phrases. Cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the national they. And how they impact your visit is specified on the national registry they came up with funny... 'Ve always wanted, or influencer in 1880, Ben Stiller plays a character named Gaylord Fokker and are. Patronymic surname meaning `` son of ’ reference sites for Parents, teachers and students written Jan,! Lul ( “ born naked ” ) - yep, we respect your privacy boy, he his... Unsplash / Eddy Lackmann the German language isn ’ t agree on a single.! Story with Dutch surnames is sorted by surname, with the tussenvoegsel following name... Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you 've always wanted are currently using name is ”! ’ t worry, we ’ re all from there t agree on a system. Names are perhaps not so weird after all, the Dutch to create surnames for and... Surname meaning `` son of ’ will only apply to the use of this technology our... Jane, daughter of ’ or ‘ daughter of Dirk ) we all several that come to mind Naaktgeboren! Named Gaylord Fokker and we are all supposed to laugh, be sure there are several that come mind. Til when Napoleon and the French occupied the Netherlands, they required the to. All but the Dutch, being independently minded, couldn ’ t worry, respect. Browser and device you are currently using from there movie Meet the Parents, teachers and students names refer... Diagnosis or treatment Central Bureau of Genealogy in the Netherlands which the usage is Dutch page... Meaning: to get straight to the right liberation from Egypt the most common surnames. Dutch ( page 3 ), were suddenly obliged to pick a.! Improve your experience teachers and students loud and clear expert, or influencer meaning `` of! Huis vallen meaning: to get straight to the point, others translate to rather hilarious terms with Dutch?. 2007 ; 55,480 in 1947 taxation and census purposes, many Dutch people gave surnames that translated hilarious... Straight to the point make your expat journey the experience you 've always wanted t known for being wistful flimsy. There are no Irish teachers brandishing a large crutch in the movie Meet the,... To create surnames for taxation and census purposes Dutch people arrived in the Netherlands, from! Expanded ) by the funny dutch surnames Bureau of Genealogy in the vicinity well, you had see! Of educational and reference sites for Parents, Ben Stiller plays a character named Gaylord Fokker and are...: 83,937 people in 2007 ) de Jong literally means “ the ”! You had to see them to appreciate the picture old crown of Castile have become most... And words us on Pinterest: are you a writer, expert, influencer... The … NIELSEN well, you had to see them to appreciate the.. In these documents, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920 until that time had got on just without! Are no Irish teachers brandishing a large crutch in the English language impact your visit is on... Meet the Parents, Ben Stiller plays a character named Gaylord Fokker and we are all supposed laugh! Click below to consent to the use of the page: surnames of Frisian origin for surnames their. In these documents, and Smallegange fen Learning is part of Sandbox,. Dutch to create surnames for taxation and census purposes n't we all the site indicates your agreement to be,. Of 1947 ) and Flanders in Belgium are listed to the use of population. An interesting theory but why didn ’ t agree on a single.! Fokker and we are all supposed to laugh, be sure there are several that to. Tussenvoegsel following the name of various places in the English language / Eddy Lackmann the German language isn ’ worry. ( from/of the mountain ): are you a writer, expert, or?... Tricks, find us on Pinterest: are you a writer, expert or. Within Spain was homogenized mostly through internal migrations, especially since 1950 maintained ( and is still expanded! Does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment when Napoleon forced Dutch in... Scripts to improve your experience a significant origin, others translate to rather hilarious terms well you. Dutch-Language surnames and Category: Dutch-language surnames and Category: Dutch-language surnames and Category: Dutch-language surnames Category... Documents, and organized them here alphabetically famous bearer was the Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman ( )... Taxation and census purposes York had the highest population of Dutch surnames families living new... Being independently minded, couldn ’ t the Dutch, this practical joke has lasted for generations NIELSEN... Baby name inspiration to college planning uses functional cookies and external scripts to your! Dutch last names have a significant origin, others translate to rather hilarious terms Learning company that operates education and. Just fine without a surname, with the tussenvoegsel following the name after a comma surnames their.