Van vollenhoven Surname

Introduction

The surname 'van Vollenhoven' is of Dutch origin and is a relatively rare surname. It is believed to have originated from the place name Vollenhove in the Netherlands. The prefix 'van' in Dutch surnames typically means 'from' or 'of', indicating a person's place of origin. In this case, 'van Vollenhoven' would mean 'from Vollenhove'.

History and Origin

The town of Vollenhove is located in the province of Overijssel in the Netherlands. It was an important settlement during the Middle Ages and was once a thriving commercial center. The surname 'van Vollenhoven' likely originated from individuals who were from or associated with this town.

Records show that the surname 'van Vollenhoven' has been in use since at least the 17th century in the Netherlands. It is found predominantly in the northern provinces of the Netherlands, particularly in Overijssel and Gelderland.

Migration and Distribution

Over time, some individuals bearing the surname 'van Vollenhoven' may have migrated to other countries, leading to its presence in other parts of the world. According to data, the surname is most prevalent in South Africa, with 885 incidences. It is also found in the Netherlands (153), Mexico (71), Sweden (6), the United States (5), Malta (4), Australia (1), Spain (1), France (1), and England (1).

These numbers reflect the relatively low occurrence of the surname outside of the Netherlands, indicating that it remains a distinctly Dutch surname.

Notable Individuals

Despite its rarity, the surname 'van Vollenhoven' has been associated with several notable individuals. One prominent figure is Pieter van Vollenhoven, a member of the Dutch royal family. He is the husband of Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and is known for his work in the fields of environment and traffic safety.

Other individuals bearing the surname 'van Vollenhoven' have also made significant contributions in various fields, from academia to business and the arts.

Meaning and Variation

The surname 'van Vollenhoven' is a compound surname, with 'van' indicating place of origin and 'Vollenhoven' referring to the town of Vollenhove. The name itself does not have a specific meaning beyond its geographical connection.

Like many surnames, 'van Vollenhoven' may have undergone variations over time, particularly in spelling. Common variations include 'van Vollenhoven', 'van Vollenhove', and 'Vollenhoven'.

Common Misspellings

Due to its unique combination of letters, the surname 'van Vollenhoven' may be prone to misspellings. Common misspellings and variations include 'Van Vollenhove', 'Vollenhoven', 'Van Vollenhoven', and 'Van Vollenhoeven'.

Similar Surnames

There are several surnames that may sound similar to 'van Vollenhoven' but are distinct names. These include 'van Velzen', 'van Valkenburg', and 'van Hollen'.

It is important to distinguish between these similar but separate surnames when researching genealogy or family history.

Research and Genealogy

For individuals with the surname 'van Vollenhoven' who are interested in researching their family history, genealogical resources can be valuable. Online databases, historical records, and local archives can provide information on the origin and spread of the surname.

Professional genealogists may also be able to assist in tracing the genealogy of the 'van Vollenhoven' family and uncovering connections to other branches of the family tree.

Family Crest and Coat of Arms

As with many Dutch surnames, 'van Vollenhoven' may have a family crest or coat of arms associated with it. These heraldic symbols can provide insights into the history and origins of the surname.

Families with the surname 'van Vollenhoven' may wish to investigate the possibility of a family crest and its significance in their ancestry.

DNA Testing and Ancestry

For individuals interested in exploring their ancestry through DNA testing, services such as AncestryDNA and 23andMe can provide insights into one's genetic heritage and potential connections to other individuals with the same surname.

DNA testing can be a valuable tool in genealogical research, helping to uncover familial relationships and ancestral origins.

Conclusion

The surname 'van Vollenhoven' is a unique and distinct Dutch surname with a rich history and geographical connection. Despite its relative rarity, it has been associated with notable individuals and continues to be passed down through generations.

For individuals with the surname 'van Vollenhoven' who are interested in exploring their family history, genealogical research and DNA testing can provide valuable insights into their ancestry and connections to the wider world.

The surname Van vollenhoven in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same takes place in the case of Van vollenhoven, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname that can be found in the majority of the countries of the globe. In the same way you will find nations in which certainly the thickness of individuals because of the surname Van vollenhoven is more than in other countries.

The map of the Van vollenhoven surname

View Van vollenhoven surname map

The possibility of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Van vollenhoven on the planet, helps us a lot. By putting ourselves regarding the map, for a tangible country, we could understand tangible number of individuals because of the surname Van vollenhoven, to acquire this way the complete information of all the Van vollenhoven that one can presently find in that country. All this also assists us to know not merely in which the surname Van vollenhoven comes from, but also in what manner the folks that are initially an element of the family members that bears the surname Van vollenhoven have moved and moved. Just as, you are able to see by which places they have settled and grown up, which is why if Van vollenhoven is our surname, it appears interesting to which other nations for the globe it is possible any particular one of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Van vollenhoven on the planet

  1. South Africa South Africa (885)
  2. Netherlands Netherlands (153)
  3. Mexico Mexico (71)
  4. Sweden Sweden (6)
  5. United States United States (5)
  6. Malta Malta (4)
  7. Australia Australia (1)
  8. Spain Spain (1)
  9. France France (1)
  10. England England (1)