Surname Meertens - Meaning and Origin

Meertens: What does the surname Meertens mean?

The last name Meertens is of Dutch origin and can be traced back to the 1500s. It is believed to have derived from the name of a family who lived in the region of Meuklitz in the Netherlands. The name likely originates from the German term “meer” meaning “lake” and “ten” meaning “dweller”. As such, many of the first families with this surname were likely associated with living near a lake, such as fishermen or farmers.

Today, the last name Meertens is relatively common in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, and in Dutch-speaking regions of North America and South Africa. Its popularity in other countries likely stems from the mass emigration of Dutch people in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Meertens family has been noted for many of its members’ prominent and successful accomplishments in various fields, from politics to the arts. Especially notable is the late Dutch resistance leader Willem Meertens, who played a crucial role in the Netherlands' successful liberation from the German occupation during World War II. He received many honors, including the Order of Orange-Nassau, one of the country's highest awards.

In the modern era, the last name Meertens continues to bring honor to the Netherlands, and those who bear it have strong ties to their Dutch heritage. It is also often associated with hard work, dedication, and fame, and is a source of pride for those who carry it.

Meertens: Where does the name Meertens come from?

The surname Meertens is most commonly found in the Netherlands, where its distribution is quite even throughout the country. In fact, it is one of the most commonly found surnames in the Netherlands and is also found in Belgium, which has its historical roots in the Dutch language and culture. In the Netherlands, the Meertens family is a large, well-known family that traces its roots back to early 18th century aristocrats.

Originally from the southern Dutch town of Den Bosch, the Meertens family has since spread throughout the Netherlands and beyond. The name is particularly common in Amsterdam and Utrecht, and in the province of North Holland, where it is among the top 20 most frequent surnames in that province. It can also be found in other European countries such as France, Germany, and Austria.

Outside of Europe, the Meertens surname can be traced to Dutch descendants in areas such as Canada, United States, and New Zealand, although the distribution is not as dense as in the Netherlands.

The surname Meertens refers to a large number of families, all of whom have different origins, but the name is still most commonly associated with the ancient Dutch aristocrats. In the Netherlands, the name is still highly regarded, and anyone with the surname is usually met with respect.

Variations of the surname Meertens

The surname Meertens is derived from the Germanic personal name Marhtin which derived from maht (might or strength). Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Martens, Meerts, Meertens, Meertz, Meurtens, Mertez and Marten.

Martens is a very common Dutch surname, usually with the spelling Martens. It is also present in Germany, as well as in Poles, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, and Czech. In Belgium Martens is a frequent spelling, whereas in the Netherlands, Meertens is more prevalent.

Meerts is also very common in Belgium, mostly in the northern part of Flemish Belgium. Meertz is a common German spelling, but there also exist variations such as Mertez and Meurtens.

Marten is a very common Dutch surname, often spelled Marten. It is also present in Flemish Belgium, Sweden, Northern Germany, and elsewhere. The name is derived from the Germanic personal name Marhtin. Marten can serve as a patronymic or a nick name, or as a geographical surname for someone from Marten, Germany.

Variants of the surname Meertens may be found in other countries where Dutch or Belgian settlers have migrated. Some variations may also have been adopted by other nationalities due to marriage or migration. For example, Martén is a frequent variation in Spain and Martins is common in Portugal.

Famous people with the name Meertens

• Dick Meertens: Dutch theorist and journalist, famous for his work in political science, cultural geography and anthropology.
• Karel Meertens: Belgian artist and painter, known for his vibrant, expressionistic landscapes and seascapes.
• Tony Meertens: Dutch film director and platinum producer best known for his work on the feature-length film After The War.
• Julie Meertens: Canadian-Dutch professional dancer, best known for her appearances on the television shows So You Think You Can Dance Canada and Canada's Got Talent.
• Hugo Meertens: Dutch philosopher specialising in the fields of logic, mathematics, and philosophy of science.
• Lia Meertens: Dutch fashion designer and entrepreneur, whose fashion label was established in 2001 and is known for its playful, colourful designs.
• Tenzin Meertens: Tibetan Buddhist master and meditation teacher based in Canada, well-known for his teachings on   emptiness, non-duality, and the power of inner stillness.
• Pieter Meertens: Dutch ethologist and psychobiologist, known for his research and pioneering work in animal behavior, ethology, and animal welfare.
• Sofia Meertens: Dutch mathematician and software engineer, best known for her work in software engineering and computer vision.
• Aart Meertens: Dutch actor and theatre director, best known for his performances in film and stage.

Other surnames

Meerten