Surname Kerstjens - Meaning and Origin
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Kerstjens: What does the surname Kerstjens mean?
The last name Kerstjens is of Dutch origin. It is derived from the combination of the given names Kerst and Jens, which together mean "Christ and sons". This surname is also linked to the Christmas season, which is why it is often associated with holidays and occasion of festive family gatherings.
The literal translation of Kerstjens is either "Christ-children" or "children of Christ". This name is believed to have been passed down through the generations, originally given to those of Dutch descent who wanted to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. In other words, it could be seen as a reminder to celebrate the birth of the Saviour of the world.
Kerstjens is a fairly common surname in the Netherlands and other parts of Europe, and quite a few people with this name can be found in America and other parts of the world. It is a reminder of Dutch heritage and of the special holiday period when many families come together to celebrate.
The last name Kerstjens, with its strong Christian roots, is a reminder of the importance of Jesus Christ and the tradition of celebrating and family gatherings during the Christmas season. It can be viewed as a reminder to stay connected to the Christian faith, and in its literal translation, a reminder to honor the birth of Jesus Christ.
Order DNA origin analysisKerstjens: Where does the name Kerstjens come from?
The last name Kerstjens is most common today in the Netherlands, particularly in the Drenthe province. It is also found in Belgium, Germany, and other parts of Europe.
The last name was most likely derived from a given name, such as 'K Westerjan', or 'Kester' Jan, and created as a patronymic. This type of name creation likely originated in the Middle Ages when many people did not have a family name, but adopted a name derived from their father's first name (Kerst for Kester) and added a suffix or post-nominal letter (Jan).
The name is found across the Netherlands, but especially in Drenthe, a province in the north of the country, historically known for its farming. Many of those with the name trace their backgrounds to these agricultural roots. Kerstjens can also be found in other parts of Europe. In Belgium, the spellings Kirstiens or Kirsies are used and records show the spelling Kerstiens existing in German documents in the17th century.
Nowadays, people with the name of Kerstjens are scattered throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and other areas of Europe, with many still maintaining their agricultural heritage.
Variations of the surname Kerstjens
The surname Kerstjens is a Dutch patronymic surname which originated from the given name Christiaan, a Dutch variant of the Christian name Christian. The variants and spellings of the surname Kerstjens include Kerstens, Kersten, Kirsten, Kirstens, Kerstenius, Kesters, Kristens, Kirsteins, Kirsjens, Kirstjens and Kerstorm.
Kerstens is one of the more common variants of the surname, found primarily in the Netherlands and Northern Germany. This spelling is likely derived from the Germanic personal name Christiens, consisting of the elements "christ" and "naud" meaning "people." It is sometimes spelled Kersten, without the ‘s’, although this spelling is less common.
Kirsten is another common variant of the surname, with similar geographic distribution. This spelling is a diminutive form of the name Christian or Kirstein, and is derived from the Old Norse personal name Kristin.
Kerstenius, Kesters and Kristens are also common variants of the surname, with varying geographic distributions.
Kirsteins is a less common variant, primarily found in the Netherlands. This particular spelling is related to the given name Chris.
Kirsjens is a rare variant also found in the Netherlands, which likely originated as an alternative spelling of Kersten or Kirsten.
Kirstjens is another rare variant found in the Netherlands, Djibouti, and the United States. This particular spelling is related to the given name Kirstin or Kirsten, with the addition of the Dutch diminutive suffix -jens.
Finally, Kerstorm is a rare variant of the surname found in the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United States. This particular variant is derived from the Old Norse personal name Kroistomr or from the Germanic name Krutstern.
Famous people with the name Kerstjens
- Marinus "Mario" Kerstjens, a Dutch political figure and Member of the European Parliament representing the Netherlands.
- Jules Kerstjens, a Dutch professional football player.
- Lia Kerstjens, a Dutch television presenter.
- Edwin Kerstjens, a Dutch amusement entrepreneur and owner of Toverland.
- Josephus Kerstjens, a Dutch football player who was part of various clubs in the Dutch First Division.
- Bert Kerstjens, a Dutch speed cyclist competing in multiple World Championships.
- Fred Kerstjens, a Dutch football player who had a long career with various clubs in the Netherlands.
- Bas Kerstjens, a Dutch basketball player who represented his country in the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
- Peter Kerstjens, a Dutch football player who is currently playing for SVV 't Gooi in the Tweede Divisie.
- Peter E. Kerstjens, a Dutch water polo player and a World Champion from 1979.