Surname Driess - Meaning and Origin

Driess: What does the surname Driess mean?

The specific meaning of the surname Driess is not explicitly documented in historical, genealogical, or anthroponomastic (the study of personal names) records. It is likely of Germanic origin, but its exact etymology and original meaning are unclear. It could be derived from names like Dries or Driessen, which are more common and are related to names like Andreas or the occupational name for a steward or farm manager. Surnames can evolve and change spellings over centuries and national migrations, making the exact history and meaning difficult to trace for less common names like Driess. As with many surnames, it could relate to a profession, geographical location, or a personal characteristic. The exact meaning can likely only be determined through detailed, specific family history research.

Driess: Where does the name Driess come from?

The last name Driess is most common today in the Netherlands, Belgium and surrounding areas. According to the records, Driess used to be a patronymic surname, derived from the male first name 'Dries', which was given to a son in memory of the father.

In the Netherlands, the Driess family mostly originated in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland, Drente, and Overijssel. Records from the 14th century showed mention of people with the name Driess in the cities of Assen, Leerdam, and Urk. The most common variants of the Driess spelling are Druut, Druyts, Druyse, and Driese.

By the 19th and 20th centuries, the Driess name became popular in other parts of Europe, mainly in Luxembourg, France, Germany, and Belgium. At present, the last name Driess remains common in all countries mentioned, in addition to other countries in the region.

Its presence has also been noted in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, but these populations are much smaller and spread throughout various regions. In general, those sporting the Driess name today likely originate from one of the countries near the Netherlands, Belgium, or Luxembourg.

Variations of the surname Driess

The surname Driess is derived from the German given name "Theodore" and carries the meaning of "gift of God". The variations and spellings of the surname Driess can be found in various cultures and languages throughout the world.

Variations

In German, the variations can be seen as:

• Dries

• Driese

• Driesner

• Driessel

• Driesen

• Driesser

• Driss

In Dutch:

• Drees

• Dres

In Flemish:

• Driss

• Dries

• Driese

In English:

• Drees

• Dress

• Tress

• Driss

In French:

• Dresse

Surnames

The surname Driess is also found in other forms such as:

• Treiss

• Droess

• Draye

• Dresich

• Droesch

• Treisser

• Droessler

• Dresser

• Drites

• Trites

It is common for some cultures to shorten surnames, and thus the surname Driess may be known as:

• Driess

• Dries

• Dresch

• Droes

• Driesch

• Dross

• Tress

• Dros

• Droeschle

• Dresserle

• Driesen

Overall, the surname Driess is a popular surname that can be seen in a diverse set of cultures and spellings. The origin of the surname is attributed to the German given names “Theodore,” and it is believed to mean “gift of God.”

Famous people with the name Driess

• Adrienne Driessen: American television journalist, video producer, and entrepreneur.
• Alexander Driessen: Dutch mathematician specializing mainly in ergodic theory and dynamical systems.
• Ben Driess– former professional Canadian football player and lead singer of the band The Trews.
• Delana Driessen: Canadian country music singer-songwriter.
• George Driessen: member of the PEACE Partij, a former limburgian political party.
• Jaap Driessen: Dutch molecular biologist and HIV specialist.
• Jacob Driessen: Dutch professional cyclist, trainer and para-cycling coach.
• Jakob Driessen: German footballer playing for BV Arminia Bielefeld.
• Johan Driessen: Dutch musical theater actor, known for his roles as the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast and Haarlem's singing guide Ed in Anton Pieck’s Het Wonderbaarlijke Park, and as Victor in the musical Dirty Dancing: The Story.
• Karl Driessen: German road racing cyclist who competed professionally between 2005 and 2015.
• Tom Driessen: American artist, film editor, and director.

Other surnames

DriesDriesbachDriesbaughDrieschDriescherDrieschmannsDrieschnerDriesenDriessen

Comments or additions to the name "Driess"

28.12.2023
Trees is yet another variant, Anglicanized (erroneously) in the British colonies (Pennsylvania).