Voorst Surname

The Origin of the Surname 'Voorst'

The surname 'Voorst' is of Dutch origin, and it is derived from the Dutch word "van der Vorst," which means "from the forest." This surname likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near or in a forest. Surnames that are based on a person's location or occupation were common in medieval times, when surnames became more fixed and hereditary.

Distribution of the Surname 'Voorst'

The surname 'Voorst' is most prevalent in the Netherlands, where it has an incidence of 168. This indicates that it is a relatively common surname in the country. It is also found in the United States, with an incidence of 37, as well as in Canada, Brazil, Germany, England, Ghana, Portugal, and South Africa, though to a lesser extent in these countries.

Meaning and Variations of the Surname 'Voorst'

As mentioned earlier, the surname 'Voorst' is derived from the Dutch word "van der Vorst," meaning "from the forest." The name likely originally referred to someone who lived near a forest or wooded area. Over time, variations of the surname may have developed, such as "Voorste," "Vorster," or "Van Voorst."

Common Spelling Variations of 'Voorst'

Spelling variations of surnames are common, especially in records from earlier centuries when spelling was not standardized. Some common spelling variations of the surname 'Voorst' may include:

• Voorst
• Vorste
• Vorster
• Van Voorst

These variations may have arisen due to regional dialects, literacy levels, or transcription errors in records. Regardless of the spelling variation, they all likely originate from the same Dutch root word "van der Vorst."

Notable Individuals with the Surname 'Voorst'

Throughout history, there have been individuals with the surname 'Voorst' who have made notable contributions to their respective fields. While the surname may not be as well-known as others, these individuals have left their mark in various ways.

John Voorst (1818-1895)

John Voorst was a prominent English publisher and bookseller who specialized in natural history and science publications. He founded his publishing company, John Van Voorst, in 1826 and went on to publish works by renowned naturalists and scientists of the time. His contributions to the field of natural history are still recognized today.

Martijn van Voorst (b. 1975)

Martijn van Voorst is a Dutch architect known for his innovative and sustainable designs. He has won numerous awards for his work, which focuses on creating environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing structures. Van Voorst's designs have been featured in architectural magazines and exhibitions around the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname 'Voorst' has a Dutch origin and likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a forest. It is most prevalent in the Netherlands but is also found in other countries to a lesser extent. The variations of the surname may have developed over time, but they all stem from the same root word "van der Vorst." Notable individuals with the surname 'Voorst' have made significant contributions to their respective fields, further cementing the surname's place in history.

The surname Voorst in the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is achievable to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar happens when it comes to Voorst, which as you're able to corroborate, it may be stated that it's a surname that can be present in most of the nations for the world. In the same manner you can find countries by which truly the density of individuals utilizing the surname Voorst is more than far away.

The map regarding the Voorst surname

1. Netherlands (168)
2. United States (37)
3. Canada (2)
4. Brazil (1)
5. Germany (1)
6. England (1)
7. Ghana (1)
8. Portugal (1)
9. South Africa (1)