Surname Folkertsma - Meaning and Origin
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Folkertsma: What does the surname Folkertsma mean?
The last name Folkertsma is derived from the old Frisian personal name Folkert (originally the name Folchert). The name itself was composed of two elements: Folk meaning “people” and erd meaning “courageary”, “strong,” or “brave”. Therefore, the last name Folkertsma translates to “son of a brave people.”
The surname Folkertsma is closely associated with the vast region of Frisia, on the coast of what is now the Netherlands and northern Germany. Historically populated with the Angles and the Franks, it was the Frisians who gave Frisia its name and passed the surname down through generations.
Although the birthplace of the name can be traced to Frisia, folkertsmas can now be found all over the world. The name has spread from German and Dutch settlers to other parts of the world such as Australia and the United States.
Today, Folkertsmas are highly regarded for their hard work, independent spirit, and perseverance. Their history of bold bravery, resilience, and determination is both respected and celebrated, and this is represented in the last name itself. These qualities are something to take pride in, and to strive for in all future generations of Folkertsmas.
Order DNA origin analysisFolkertsma: Where does the name Folkertsma come from?
The last name Folkertsma is most commonly found in The Netherlands today, though it is also found in other countries with Dutch cultural heritage, such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, there are scattered instances of the last name in other countries due to migration and immigration.
The surname derived from the Germanic personal name 'Folkhard,' made up of two elements - 'Folc' and 'Hard.' The first element is believed to mean 'people,' and the second element 'hard' could mean either 'brave' or 'hardy.' The ending of the name changed over time, first to the Dutch 'Folkerse', and then finally to 'Folkertsma.'
Recently, the Dutch genealogy website WieWasWie.nl has reported that there are over 10,000 individuals with this surname living in the Netherlands today which accounts to about 0.2% of the population. This could point to a small, but distinct, presence of the Folkertsma surname throughout the country.
In addition, a search of Ancestry.com reveals that throughout the world there are currently over 6,000 people registered with the Folkertsma surname. This indicates that the surname is still prevalent in different countries, albeit in small numbers.
Overall, the Folkertsma surname today seems to be mostly concentrated in the Netherlands, with smaller populations in other countries, likely due to Dutch heritage.
Variations of the surname Folkertsma
Folkertsma is an Frisian patronymic surname or derivative of the first name Folkert or Folkard. The name Folkert combines two Germanic elements: folc, meaning “people”, and hari, meaning “strong” or “army”. The general meaning of Folkertsma, therefore, is “son of Folkerts".
The variants of Folkertsma are Folkmans, Folkerts, Folkers, Folkards, and Folkardtsma. Variations of the Folkertsma surname were sometimes seen in versions such as Fokkers, Folkers, and Fokhaertsma.
Folkertsma is also associated with the Dutch variant Folkerink. In Germany, the patronymic form was sometimes spelled as Volkers. In some cases, the surname could also be spelled as Volckers or Folcherts.
In the United States, the Folkertsma family has sometimes used the variation Fulkertsma. It has also been seen spelled as Fulkerson or Fulkertson. The Dutch surname Folkerink is sometimes used by family members in the United States as well.
Other surnames of the same origin include Forkert, Forkers, Volksma, Folkers, Foelkers, Forkarts, Folkhardts, and Folckers.
Famous people with the name Folkertsma
- Robine Folkertsma: Dutch politician
- Elisabeth Folkertsma: Dutch orthopedic surgeon
- Travis Folkertsma: American professional basketball player
- Cerys Folkertsma: Dutch cyclist
- Jurjen Folkertsma: Dutch field hockey player
- Jan Folkertsma: Dutch illustrator
- Gerardus Folkertsma: Dutch sculptor
- Henk Folkertsma: Dutch sculptor
- Marga Folkertsma: Dutch painter
- Duco Folkertsma: Dutch journalist