Onselen Surname

The Origin of the Surname Onselen

The surname Onselen is believed to have originated in South Africa, where it is most commonly found today. It is thought to be of Dutch origin, with the prefix "van" meaning "from" or "of" in Dutch. This would suggest that the surname Onselen could have originally been a locational surname, referring to someone who came from a place called Onselen or who lived near a place called Onselen. Unfortunately, the exact origins of the surname are not well-documented, and further research would be needed to confirm this theory.

South African Incidence of the Surname Onselen

According to data gathered from various sources, the surname Onselen has a relatively high incidence in South Africa, with a total of 39 occurrences. This suggests that the surname is most commonly found in this region, which aligns with the belief that it has Dutch origins. The presence of the surname in South Africa may be due to historical migration patterns or colonial influences.

Dutch Connection

With a lesser but still significant incidence in the Netherlands (19 occurrences), the connection between the surname Onselen and Dutch heritage is further strengthened. It is possible that the surname was originally brought to South Africa by Dutch settlers or traders, who then passed it down through the generations. The Dutch influence in South Africa dates back to the 17th century, when the Dutch East India Company established a trading post at the Cape of Good Hope.

International Spread of the Surname Onselen

While the surname Onselen is most commonly found in South Africa and the Netherlands, it has also spread to other parts of the world. In England (specifically in the region of England), the surname has a total incidence of 3, indicating a small but present presence in this area. The surname Onselen has also been recorded in the United Arab Emirates (2 occurrences), Australia (1 occurrence), Brazil (1 occurrence), and Wales (1 occurrence). This international spread of the surname could be attributed to migration, trade, or other historical factors.

Conclusion

The surname Onselen is an intriguing surname with Dutch origins that is most commonly found in South Africa. While the exact origins of the surname are not definitively known, its presence in multiple countries suggests a rich history and potential connections to Dutch heritage. Further research into the surname Onselen and its variations may provide more insight into its origins and spread across the globe.

The surname Onselen in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same occurs in the case of Onselen, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname which can be found in the majority of the countries of the globe. In the same way there are nations in which certainly the thickness of men and women with all the surname Onselen is higher than in other countries.

The map associated with Onselen surname

1. South Africa (39)
2. Netherlands (19)
3. England (3)
4. United Arab Emirates (2)
5. Australia (1)
6. Brazil (1)
7. Wales (1)