Surname van Laaren - Meaning and Origin
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van Laaren: What does the surname van Laaren mean?
The surname "van Laaren" is of Dutch origin. It’s a toponymic surname, which means it's derived from a place-name. The prefix "van" in Dutch surnames usually means "from," indicating a geographical origin, while "Laaren" refers to various places in the Netherlands, therefore, "van Laaren" could mean "from Laaren." The name Laaren may come from the Old Dutch word "laar," which means "forest" or "clearing." Thus, the surname might describe a person who lived near a forest or a clearing. Please note that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings can vary among families.
Order DNA origin analysisvan Laaren: Where does the name van Laaren come from?
The surname Van Laaren is most commonly found in the Netherlands today, though it is also present in small numbers in other countries such as the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and Australia.
In the Netherlands, the surname is strongly represented in the provinces of Noord-Brabant, Zeeland, Limburg, Gelderland, and Drenthe, as well as the cities of Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Utrecht. Amsterdam in particular is the undisputed center of Van Laaren prevalence. The Netherlands is home to at least 5,500 people who use the surname today.
In the United States, the surname Van Laaren is more uncommon, though it is present in a few states. The greatest concentrations are in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and California. There are considerably smaller numbers in other states, as well as in Canada, France, Germany, and Australia.
Though the surname is not widespread outside the Netherlands, there are likely more people with the name worldwide than is immediately apparent. As the Netherlands has the highest concentration of Van Laarens in the world today, it appears likely that many of those with the name heavy roots in the country of its origin.
Variations of the surname van Laaren
Van Laaren is a patronymic surname, derived from the personal name ‘Laar’. Van Laaren is a variant of Van Laer, Van Laren, Van Larr, and Van Lare.
Van Laaren is mainly found in Holland and Belgium. It is spelled in a variety of different ways in other countries but they all share the same Dutch etymology.
In France, Van Laaren is spelled Van Laarne, Van Laarne and Van Laarne. In Germany, Van Laaren is spelled Van Laren, Van Laryn and Van Laroen. In Finland, it is spelled Van Laarne and in Sweden Van Larr.
In the United States, some other common spellings include Van Lare, Van Larr, Van Lare, Van Lrr, and Van Ler. In the UK, some common variants include Vanlare, Van Larr, Van Lare, Van Lyr, and Van Leroen.
Most of these surnames also have other surnames derived from the same origin. These include Vanlaren, Van Laar, VanLaren, Van Ler, Van Layer, Van Larens, Van Lareh, Van Lorr, Van Lor, and Vanlore.
Overall, from the various forms of spelling and surnames, it is evident that the surname Van Laaren has a rich and varied genealogy. It has spread across continents, taking on different forms as it was adapted to the different languages and cultures which it encountered.
Famous people with the name van Laaren
- Basil van Laaren: Dutch television presenter and model
- Charl van Laaren: Dutch football defender
- Diaz van Laaren: Dutch singer-songwriter
- Dirk van Laaren: Dutch former footballer
- Edwin van Laaren: Dutch chess player
- Han van Laaren: Dutch football forward
- Henk van Laaren: Dutch author
- Jacq van Laaren: Dutch television presenter
- Jan van Laaren: Dutch political figure
- Jean-Pierre van Laaren: Dutch-Belgian artist
- Pieter van Laaren: Dutch artist
- Robert van Laaren: Dutch speed skater
- Rynno van Laaren: Dutch singer and songwriter
- Ton van Laaren: Dutch football defender
- Willem van Laaren: Dutch engineer and electrical innovator