Surname Arends - Meaning and Origin
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Arends: What does the surname Arends mean?
The surname Arends is of Dutch origin, predominantly found in Northern Germany and the Netherlands. The name is derived from "arend", which means "eagle" in Dutch, so it can be interpreted as "son of the eagle". This might imply that the ancestors related to this surname were seen as possessing the characteristics of an eagle, such as strength and power. The symbol of an eagle often stands for courage, wisdom, and nobility. It was a common practice in ancient times to associate and name people based on their characteristics, abilities, or profession. Occasionally, the name Arends might also be a patronymic name which refers to "son of Arend", a variation of the first name Arnold. Like many surnames, the exact interpretation can depend on its historical and regional usage.
Order DNA origin analysisArends: Where does the name Arends come from?
The last name Arends is of Dutch origin and is a patronymic surname, meaning it was derived from the father's given name. The name stems from the personal name Arend, which is the Dutch variant of Arnold. This name essentially means "eagle" (arend) and "rule" (rike), signifying someone who rules like an eagle.
Today, the surname Arends is most common in The Netherlands, which is its place of origin. Nonetheless, following patterns of immigration, it can also be found in other parts of the world including South Africa and North America. Despite its spread, it remains most concentrated in the Dutch-speaking regions of the world.
Variations of the surname Arends
The surname Arends is of early medieval English, French, and German origin. It was often used as a nickname for a person who was reliable or well-regarded. The surname's spelling variations across different cultures and eras have included Arend, Arrend, Ahrend, and Ahrendt.
In the Low German and Dutch-speaking regions, the surname was largely common and would often take the forms of Arent, Arents, Arends, Arentsen, Arentzen, Arentsz, Ahrend, Ahrends, and Ahrendsen.
Along with these local variations, migration and transposition of vowels and consonants have led to the development of several related surnames, such as Arens, Ehrens, Arenz, Erns, Erren, Erens, and Errez.
Moreover, there were occasions on which the surname was extended with informatives or diminutives. Common examples would be Arendse, Ahrensdorf, Ahrendsen, Arentszen, Arentzoon, or Arensdorff.
In the United States and other English-speaking countries, the surname is often found as Arends, Arendts, Arendes, or Ahrends.
Other similar patronymic surnames that are derived from the name Arend include Arendson, Arnoldson, Arnison, and Ahrendson. Please note that these names, despite some minor phonetic and spelling similarities, might not necessarily share the exact same origin or meaning with Arends.
Famous people with the name Arends
- Carlyle Arends: A renowned international track and field athlete from the Cayman Islands.
- Rikkert Zuiderveld and Elly Zuiderveld-Nieman: A Dutch folk music duo, known by their stage name "Elly & Rikkert", Elly's maiden name is Arends.
- Cornelis Arend 'Cor' Geugjes: A professional footballer from the Netherlands who played as a midfielder. He was born as Cornelis Arend Arends, before his mother remarried and he took his stepfather's last name.
- Glen Arends: A South African cricketer who played as a right-arm medium-fast bowler for Western Province.
- Barend Christiaan Viljoen 'Whitey' Arends: A South African rugby union player, playing as a lock for the South Africa national team.
- Bob Arends: An International Master and Dutch chess player.
- Ruth Arends: An American-born Swedish politician.
- Wim Arends: A Dutch sculptor and painter. Please note that while these individuals may have gained recognition in their specific fields, some might not be "famous" in the conventional sense.