Surname Foppen - Meaning and Origin

Foppen: What does the surname Foppen mean?

The last name Foppen is of Dutch origin and is thought to have derived from the old Dutch words 'voppe' and 'voppen' which means 'to play'. It is believed that this surname was originally given to someone who was a performer or jester of some sort, indicative of the playful connotations found in the root of the name.

The silliness and joy associated with Foppen suggest it was a popular nom de plume given to those whose primary purpose in life was to entertain and make others laugh. It was likely used to designate someone who was highly skilled in comedic antics, acrobatics, music, or any other form of performance that was meant to evoke lightheartedness.

Although originally used with merrymakers, the name has since become commonplace among many different families all around the Netherlands, as well as some parts of Germany, Belgium, and England. Regardless of whether the holders of this surname were entertainers by trade or simply appreciators of joy, the Foppen name undoubtedly bears the spirit of laughter, frivolity, and entertainment.

Foppen: Where does the name Foppen come from?

The last name Foppen is a common name in the Netherlands, primarily around the towns of Bovenkarspel and mid-Groningen in the northern-most parts of the country. The area was once home to many members of the Foppen family who were prominent members of the local agricultural and fishing communities.

The Foppen name is also found in small pockets of Australia and other parts of the world, primarily amongst family members who migrated during the 19th century. The family is also heard in the United States, primarily along the east coast, where it is most likely the result of emigration from the Netherlands in the 18th century.

In addition, the family name Foppen is also found in Germany, although it is far less common than other parts of the world. This can be attributed to the fact that Foppen is a Dutch surname and it is likely to be found amongst families that emigrated from the Netherlands during the early 20th century.

The Foppen surname is a unique and interesting name that is still heard in many regions of the world. Its roots in the Netherlands still make it a proud and honorable name for those descended from the Foppen family.

Variations of the surname Foppen

Foppen is a Dutch surname originating from the Dutch word Fop – which means a man who has a fondness for elegant clothes, speech, and manners. It is also a variation of ‘fop’ which means a person who is overly concerned with his or her appearance. The different variants, spellings and surname alternatives of Foppen include Foppe, Fop, Foppes, Foppeszoon, Fopze, Fops, Fopszoon, Fopz, Foppsz, Foopen, Foopes, Fppen, Foppensen, Foppers, Foppereszoon, Fopzens, Fopzes, Fopzezoon, Foppsstone, Foppesz, Fos, Foz, Fopsz, Foops, Fopss, Foppestein, Foppens, Foppensteen and Foppsen.

The variant Foppes is typically found in Groningen and Friesland. Foppeszoon is the patronymic form of Foppes, meaning ‘son of Foppes’. The Fopze form is often found in the southern parts of the Netherlands, specifically in Limburg and Noord-Brabant. Fos and Foz are most likely related to Foops and Fopss, all of which are formed from the abbreviation of Foppen. Foppensen is derived from the Foppen surname too, and was most likely adopted due to thousands of Foppensen in the Netherlands.

The Foppesten variant is found in East Groningen and Foppsen is found throughout the Netherlands. Hence, Foppen is a versatile surname with many different present-day variants depending on geographical location.

Famous people with the name Foppen

• Jimmy Foppen — a professional soccer player from the Netherlands.
• Cornelis Foppen — a Dutch Heeren XVII council member in the late 17th century.
• Ewoud Foppen — a lawyer and former politician in the Dutch Senate.
• Kees Foppen — a Dutch guitarist and founding member of the band Pater Moeskroen.
• Jorrit Foppen — a Dutch writer and journalist, known for his contributions to the TV show NOS Jeugdjournaal.
• Lena Foppen — a Dutch actress, best known for her roles on Rosa and Alles Is Liefde.
• Matthijs Foppen — an Australian sculptor, currently based in Melbourne.
• Lisa Foppen — a Dutch fashion designer, known for her collection of sustainable and luxury handbags.
• Klaas Foppen — a Dutch ceramicist, specializing in wheel-throwing and glazing techniques.
• Maeike Foppen — a Dutch film and stage actress, known for her work on the film Bijscholing.

Other surnames

Foppe