Popma Surname

Introduction

The surname Popma is a rare surname that has its origins in the Netherlands. It is believed to be of Dutch origin and is not very common outside of the Netherlands. In this article, we will delve deeper into the history and meaning of the surname Popma, as well as its distribution and frequency in different countries around the world.

History and Origin

The surname Popma is believed to be of Frisian origin, with the word "Pop" meaning "priest" in the Frisian language. The suffix "-ma" is a common Frisian surname ending, denoting a family or ancestral connection. Therefore, the surname Popma likely originated as a patronymic surname meaning "son of the priest."

It is believed that the surname Popma may have originated in the Friesland region of the Netherlands, as this is where the Frisian language is predominantly spoken. The Frisians are an ethnic group native to the coastal areas of the Netherlands and Germany, with their own distinct language and culture.

Meaning of the Surname

Given that the word "Pop" in Frisian means "priest," it is likely that the surname Popma originally denoted a family of priests or individuals associated with the clergy. The suffix "-ma" is a common patronymic ending in Frisian surnames, indicating that the surname Popma likely means "son of the priest" or "descendant of the priest."

Distribution and Frequency

Netherlands

The surname Popma is most commonly found in the Netherlands, with a high incidence of 801 individuals bearing this surname. This suggests that the surname has a deep-rooted history in the region, particularly in Friesland where the Frisian language is spoken.

United States

Outside of the Netherlands, the surname Popma is also present in the United States, with 449 individuals carrying the surname. This suggests that the surname has been carried over to the United States by Dutch immigrants who settled in the country in the past.

Canada

In Canada, the surname Popma has a lower incidence compared to the Netherlands and the United States, with 81 individuals bearing the surname. However, this still indicates a presence of the surname in the country, likely through Dutch immigrants or settlers.

Other Countries

While the surname Popma is most commonly found in the Netherlands, the United States, and Canada, it also has a presence in other countries around the world. Countries such as Germany, England, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Japan, Nigeria, Norway, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, and South Africa each have a small number of individuals with the surname Popma.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Popma is a rare surname of Dutch origin, likely originating in the Friesland region of the Netherlands. The surname likely means "son of the priest" or "descendant of the priest," given the meaning of the word "Pop" in Frisian. While most common in the Netherlands, the surname Popma is also present in various countries around the world, indicating its spread through Dutch migration and settlement. Overall, the surname Popma carries with it a rich history and cultural significance that continues to be preserved by its bearers.

The surname Popma into the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it can be done to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The exact same occurs when it comes to Popma, which as you can corroborate, it may be stated it is a surname which can be present in all of the nations for the world. In the same way there are countries by which truly the density of people with the surname Popma is greater than far away.

The map for the Popma surname

1. Netherlands (801)
2. United States (449)
3. Canada (81)
4. Germany (4)
5. England (3)
6. Belgium (1)
7. Switzerland (1)
8. Denmark (1)
9. Japan (1)
10. Nigeria (1)
11. Norway (1)
12. New Zealand (1)
13. Papua New Guinea (1)
14. Pakistan (1)
15. South Africa (1)