Surname Derks - Meaning and Origin

Derks: What does the surname Derks mean?

The last name Derks is of Dutch origin. It is an occupational surname which means 'butcher', derived from the Germanic words derc which means ‘meat’, and scepen which means ‘executor of justice’. The two words combined have become a name which represents someone who wages justice with a knife - often in the cutting of meats.

The popularity of Derks as a surname dates back to mediaeval times when butchers became an important role in villages and towns. Records show that the Derks family were influential in some of the larger Flemish towns, and especially those located in North Flanders. It is thought that as many as 2000 people bear the Derks name today, mainly concentrated in the Flemish parts of Belgium.

Today the Derks name still holds much of the same association with butchery and justice, but as in many similar occupations, the modern meaning of the Derks name is somewhat broader. Derks now represents someone who is skilled with a knife, and champions justice in whatever ways they may choose. To the Derks family, hard work, knowledge, and courage in the face of adversity, are highly esteemed values, and are often embodied in the Derks surname.

Derks: Where does the name Derks come from?

The last name Derks is most commonly found in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg, as well as in countries with Dutch historical connections such as South Africa, Australia, and the United States.

The origin of the surname is widely purported to be Dutch. It suggests that the name is derived from the Middle Dutch and/or Old German words “der” (lowland) and “ken” (people). The surname was likely a patronym, i.e. derived from the first name of the grandfather or even farther ancestor of the bearers. The frequency of the surname in Holland is especially high, as it is the 15th most common Dutch family name according to genealogical studies.

In the United States, the last name Derks is most commonly found in the states of Ohio, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The first known ancestor of the Derks line in the U.S. was a German-born man named Hans Derks, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1752. The population of Derks families in the US today is estimated to be around 3,000.

Although it is a relatively rare name, the Derks surname remains a significant part of Dutch and German history. Through the centuries, many Derks family members have left an imprint in the areas of politics, science, art, and culture.

Variations of the surname Derks

The surname Derks is of Dutch origin. There are four main variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Derks: Darx, Derx, Darcks, and Dirkx.

The most common variant of Derks is Derx. This Dutch spelling uses the "x" letter instead of the "ks" ending. This spelling has been around since the late 17th century and is still used today.

A less common spelling is Darx. This spelling reverses the "er" in Derks to create a more unique sounding name. This variant has been used since at least the beginning of the 19th century.

The Dutch spelling Darcks is closer to the original spelling of Derks, but with the "a" letter instead of the "e" letter. This variant has been used since at least the 17th century and is the least common of the four.

The final variant of the Derks surname is Dirkx. This variant is unique in that it uses the "x" letter at the end, instead of the "ks" spelling of the original Derks surname. This variant has been used since at least the 17th century and is still used today.

In conclusion, the surname Derks has four main variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin: Derx, Darx, Darcks, and Dirkx. All of these variants have been used since at least the late 17th century and are still in use today.

Famous people with the name Derks

• Roel Derks: Roel Derks is an American actor, writer, and producer known for his work on films such as The Darkest Hour and Source Code.
• Imke Derks: Imke Derks is a Dutch singer and songwriter who has released two studio albums and a collection of recordings.
• Frederik Derks: Frederik Derks is a Dutch driver who competes in rallycross and off-road racing competitions for the Belgian franchise of Team Dakar.
• Jette Derks: Jette Derks is a Dutch born actress who has starred in blockbusters such as North Face, The Other Half, and Inge Goes Wild.
• Kris Derks: Kris Derks is an American musician who has released several solo projects as well as collaborated with renowned musical acts like Popular Workshop.
• Daan Derks: Daan Derks is an award-winning documentary filmmaker who is known for his film “The Day After Today.”
• Florian Derks: Florian Derks is a German football player and manager who has coached full-time at both the youth and adult levels.
• Bart Derks: Bart Derks is a Dutch journalist and news anchor, well known for his work on the news agency NOS.
• Mathijs Derks: Mathijs Derks is a Dutch actor and comedian, who is most widely known for his work in the theatre performance Don Quixote.

Other surnames

DerkDerksenDerkum