Surname Freriks - Meaning and Origin
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Freriks: What does the surname Freriks mean?
The last name Freriks is a Dutch surname originating in the rural district of Bentheim in the German state of Lower Saxony. It is believed to have derived from the Dutch phrase "vrije reuk" which means "free spirit." This emphasizes the independent nature of the family, who were often farmers, ranchers, or landowners.
The Freriks have a long and rich history in the Netherlands, being amongst the earliest settlers in the area. The original Freriks family owned much of Bentheim, and their descendants still live there today. As with many Dutch surnames, the Freriks were among those to translate their original German name to Dutch during the process of anglicizing their names which was common in the 17th century.
Today, the surname Freriks is still found throughout the Netherlands though it is not as common as it once was. The roots of the Freriks family can still be seen in Bentheim, with other branches dispersed throughout other parts of the Netherlands.
The Freriks are still known for their independent-mindedness, and the modern Freriks family carries on this tradition. They remain a close-knit family that shares a strong bond, as well as highly-valued core values such as hard work and honesty.
Order DNA origin analysisFreriks: Where does the name Freriks come from?
The last name Freriks is most common in Germany today, particularly in the northern part of the country. According to German census records, pre-WWII records of the name Freriks are scarce, however, post-WWII records indicate the name as being quite common. During this period, many families migrated to Germany in search of jobs and a better life.
Today, the surname is the 132nd most common last name found within German borders and is primarily found in the states of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein. The name is also found in other areas of Europe as well as the Netherlands, where it is the 74th most common surname.
The United States is home to a significant population with the surname Freriks as well. According to the US Census records, the name is the 2,102nd most common last name in the nation. While it is not particularly common, Freriks can be found in all fifty states with the majority reported in the midwestern sections.
Throughout its history, the name Freriks has had multiple spellings, including Frericx, Frericks, and Frerike. Many of these variants are still seen in records around the world today.
Variations of the surname Freriks
The surname Freriks is an old Dutch and German name originating from the Middle Ages, and is thought to have been the name of a generally wealthy family of noble background. There are various spellings of this surname, including Friedeichs, Frerichs, Frerick, Fryricks, Frericksen, Freriksen, and Fröhrichs, which can all trace their origins to the same family.
Etymologically, the name can be broken down into “Fri” – meaning “free” – and “Rijk” – meaning “rich” or “strong”. This likely refers to the original Freriks ancestor, thought to have been a wealthy nobleman of great strength.
Variants of the Freriks surname are also found in other parts of Europe, with it being particularly common in German-speaking countries like Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In Germany, the name is usually spelled “Friedeichs” or “Frerichs” and the Dutch version is “Freriksen” or “Frohrichs”.
Overall, the Freriks surname is a relatively common Dutch and German name with several variants and spellings. It is likely derived from an original wealthy family of noble background, and is even rumored to have been part of the rulership of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany in the 13th century.
Famous people with the name Freriks
- Jan-Peter Freriks: Dutch racing cyclist
- Florian Freriks: German football manager
- Ernst Freriks: Dutch law professor and civil law scholar
- Audrey Freriks: American professional squash player
- Michiel Freriks: Dutch television producer and director
- Michiel Freriks: Dutch journalist, publicist, and editor
- Jochem Freriks: Dutch economist and entrepreneur
- Bart Freriks: Dutch academic and professor of personal injury law
- Jan Freriks: Dutch long-distance runner
- Jeannet Freriks: Dutch chemist and crystallographer
- Eelco Freriks: Dutch artist, sculptor, and painter
- Cordula Freriks: Dutch Physician and Doctor of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
- Sander Freriks: Dutch pediatrician and scientist specializing in pediatric epilepsy
- Gerrit Freriks: Dutch artist and sculptor
- Tijs Freriks: Dutch pop singer and actor
- Renate Freriks: Dutch hockey and basketball player
- Willem Freriks: Dutch sculptor, ceramist, and painter