Surname Hertogs - Meaning and Origin

Hertogs: What does the surname Hertogs mean?

The last name Hertogs is a Dutch (Nederlands) name meaning ‘Duke’ or ‘Grand Duke.’ The origin is derived from the Germanic root ‘Hertog’ (meaning son of a princess). The term ‘Hertog’ has also been used to refer to high-ranking noblemen and members of the Dutch Royal Family.

The first usage of Hertogs as a surname was approximately the mid-16th century, when Dutch noblemen and landowners adopted the surname. Thus, those with the surname Hertogs likely descended from a long line of ancestors who earned the distinction of being ‘Hertogs.’

The name is still widely used in Holland today although it is spelt differently in other areas (e.g. Hertog in Belgium and Heerog in Flanders).

Hertogs is a distinct name that speaks to a long, proud line of ancestry, and, although the term itself has come to refer to members of the Dutch Royal Family and some of the highest nobility, it is also a name with a strong meaning that carries significant historic links.

Hertogs: Where does the name Hertogs come from?

The last name Hertogs is most common in the Netherlands and Belgium today. It is estimated that there are over 16,000 people with this surname throughout these countries.

Hertogs is an occupational surname deriving from the Dutch term for 'duke', 'hertog'. This suggests that the owners of the surname were likely connected to a powerful ducal family at some point in time. The last name was originally a nickname for someone from the nobility or with a noble title.

In the Netherlands, the name is most numerous in provinces such as Gelderland, Limburg, Noord-Brabant and Drenthe, with a particularly high concentration in the northwest of the country. Within the municipal borders of the city of Groningen, Hertogs is one of the regiocodes most frequently encountered.

In Belgium, the majority of occurrences of the surname are found in the Dutch-speaking provinces of East Flanders, Antwerp, and Limburg. It is especially common in the Flemish Riviera, around the towns of Oostende and Knokke.

The name is perhaps less common in the United States, where records were only first reported in 1892, although the frequency of the name is growing. The UK also has a small population of Hertogs, all of which are likely descended from Dutch immigrants.

Variations of the surname Hertogs

The surname Hertogs is of Dutch origin and is derived from the Dutch word "Hertog" which means "duke". This surname has been around since before the 16th century. It is also believed to be derived from the title of a family of noblemen who held the title of Duke.

There are many variants of this surname. Some of the more common variants are: Hertoghe, Hertoghese, Hertoghers, Hertoga, and Hertogse. This surname can also be spelled in different ways such as Hertogs, Hertoges, Hertoghees, Hertoghez, Hertoghels, Hertoghess and Hertoghes.

The surnames Hertogs and its variants can also be associated with other surnames. Examples are: Herterichs, Hertgers, Hertinger, Hertlin, Herzog, Herta and Herzoges.

This surname is also found, sometimes as a middle name, among the Mennonite and Amish communities in the United States and Canada.

Overall, the surname Hertogs is a surprisingly diverse family name with many variants that reflect the many cultures and languages it has been associated with over the centuries.

Famous people with the name Hertogs

• Bert Hertogs: Flemish actor, known for his roles in films such as The Night of the Hunter, Raid in Ostend, and Broederliefde
• Rycre Hertogs: Belgian professional cyclist, competed extensively in professional events such as Giro d’Italia and La Vuelta
• Ruben Hertogs: Award-winning Dutch filmmaker, wrote and directed several feature films including The Launch and Six Feet Under
• Mieke Hertogs: Belgian Olympic swimmer, competed in the 2012 London Olympics and several other international events
• Luc Hertogs: Retired Dutch professional football player, played for several clubs in Belgium, Germany, and Turkey
• Johan Hertogs: Retired Belgian rally driver, competed in several international events including the 24 Hours of Ypres
• Kurt Hertogs: Belgian-born actor, best known for his roles in the sitcom Golden Girls
• Mario Hertogs: Flemish actor, known for his supporting roles in the Belgian television series De Rodenburgs
• Véronique Hertogs: Belgian singer and songwriter, released several solo albums including Edge of the Day and Stardust
• Ella Hertogs: Dutch Paralympic athlete, competed in several Paralympic events including Para Alpine Skiing and Para Ice Hockey

Other surnames

Hertog