Surname Frerks - Meaning and Origin
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Frerks: What does the surname Frerks mean?
The last name Frerks is of German origin and its literal translation means ‘free man’ or ‘freeman’. In Germany, it originated as a surname given to people who had achieved personal freedom, whether in the form of emancipation from slavery or the right to own property. Until 1533, the last name Frerks was particularly used for those who had been freed from serfdom, which was a form of servitude that existed in Germany at the time.
The last name Frerks is thought to have arrived in the Netherlands; and from there, it was adopted by Dutch families who migrated to the United States in the early 19th century. Since then, people with the last name Frerks have established themselves in many countries around the world.
For those living in the United States, the surname Frerks speaks to the idea of freedom and the dedication to uphold it. This may serve as a reminder for the bearers of the last name of the values of independence, justice, and self-determination that were so significant in the formation of their identity; and also provide an inspiration to break away from constraints or barriers, both physical and mental, in order to live a life of liberty.
Order DNA origin analysisFrerks: Where does the name Frerks come from?
The last name Frerks is most commonly found in Germany, the Netherlands, and parts of Scandinavia, including Denmark and Sweden. It is also recorded in some other countries of Europe, such as Austria, Switzerland, France, Poland, and Russia.
Frerks is an occupational name, derived from the Middle High German "vrite" meaning scholar or court clerk. It is thought that those bearing this surname were book distributors, scriveners, or accountants during the Middle Ages. Many Frerks have also been found in the Dutch East Indies, the former Dutch colony in Southeast Asia.
Frerks is a relatively rare surname. The name is so rare, in fact, that it does not even appear in the United States Census Bureau's list of most common surnames. As of the 2019 United States census, there were only 137 people with the last name Frerks living in the United States.
Outside of Germany, the Netherlands, and their respective colonies, one is unlikely to find many people with the surname Frerks. Despite its rarity, however, the name still retains its significance and has a long history of being carried by scholars and men of learning.
Variations of the surname Frerks
The surname Frerks is of Germanic and Dutch origin, derived from the German verb 'fraehen', meaning 'be proud' or 'carry oneself with pride'. It is most commonly spelled as 'Frerks', however there are several other variants and spellings which can be used. Some of these variants and spellings include 'Froerks', 'Freerks', 'Freyerks', 'Freyerkes', 'Fryerks', 'Fryerkes', 'Freyerksen', 'Freyerkens' and 'Freyerksen'.
The surname Frerks can also have a number of variations in the form of patronymic or matronymic surnames, which are formed by adding a prefix or suffix to the given surname. A popular patronymic variant of the surname Frerks is 'Frerksen', formed by taking the original surname and adding the suffix 'sen'. Other patronymic forms include: 'Frijerks' 'Frijers', 'Frikers', 'Frijerkes', 'Fuerks', 'Fuerkes', 'Fuyerks', 'Fuyerkes', 'Van Frijerks' and 'Van Freerks'.
Matronymic forms of the name Frerks are also common, especially in Dutch-speaking cultures. These are typically formed by taking the original surname and adding the prefix 'Van', which means 'from'. Popular matronymic variants include: 'Van Freerks', 'Van Frerks', 'Van Fryerks', 'Van Fryerkes', 'Van Froerks', 'Van Freyerkes' and 'Van Freyerksen'.
Famous people with the name Frerks
- Sylvia Frerks: Dutch journalist and author in international labor relations.
- Harry Frerks: Dutch footballer who played for Ajax between 19101912.
- Cindy Frerks: Dutch politician, member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).
- Rutger Jan Frerks: Dutch historian and academic specializing in migration, violence and conflict.
- Daan Frerks: Dutch singer-songwriter, producer and film composer.
- Jan Frerks: Dutch film producer and television director.
- Henk Frerks: Dutch sculptor, ceramist and glass artist.
- Mark Frerks: Dutch children's author and illustrator.
- Paul Frerks: Dutch composer and arranger.
- Piet Frerks: Dutch songwriter, lyricist and record producer.