Surname Meeuwis - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Meeuwis: What does the surname Meeuwis mean?
The last name Meeuwis is a Dutch origin surname that is derived from the towns of Meeuwisberg and Meeuwishoef. Both of these towns are located in the western part of the Netherlands, close to the Dutch-German border.
The literal translation of Meeuwis is “seagulls”, indicating that the family is likely of an agrarian origin. This is a relatively common Dutch surname and it reflects the influence of Dutch migration and Dutch names throughout the world.
The name could also be derived from the Dutch phrase “meeuwis”, which literally translates to “bathing”. This could reflect the fact that these villages were on the edge of the sea, and the inhabitants took regular trips to the beach, or that they were fisherfolk.
Meeuwis is often associated with the region known as Zuid-Holland, which is the southwestern part of the Netherlands. It is an area that is mainly coastal and agrarian, and the connection to the sea in this area is reflected in the name.
Although the exact origins of the name are unknown, many people with the surname Meeuwis have been able to trace their origins to the towns in the region of Zuid-Holland. The fact that the name is found all around the world speaks to how far the people with this surname have traveled throughout the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisMeeuwis: Where does the name Meeuwis come from?
The last name Meeuwis is most common today in the Netherlands, specifically in the Dutch provinces of North Holland, South Holland, Zeeland, and the region of Amsterdam. According to the Netherlands' national statistics bureau, CBS, approximately 8,139 individuals currently carry the surname Meeuwis. With a population of 17 million, this makes the last name rare, but still found in multiple locations across the country.
Apart from the Netherlands, there is a smattering of Meeuwis families scattered across Europe in countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Iceland and Latvia. However, it remains much less widespread than in its country of origin.
Meeuwis is an early Dutch surname originating from the 13th and 14th century Middle Dutch period. The meaning of the word Meeuwis is 'Seagull', and the name was likely first given to someone who lived near vast water fields, known to attract flocks of sea birds.
Meeuwis remains a popular last name today both in the Netherlands and beyond, with many who trace their roots to the original settlers of this small Netherlands nation proudly displaying their heritage.
Variations of the surname Meeuwis
The surname Meeuwis is a Dutch patronymic surname, derived from the given name Meeuwis, a Dutch variant of Matthaeus. The surname has various spelling variations, including Meuis, Meuwis, Meijers, and Meyers.
Meeuwis is often spelled as Meuis, a Latinized version ofthe name, often encountered in official documents and legal records. It is also spelled Meuwis, an older Dutch variety of the name, and Meyers, which is the German interpretation of the original Dutch name.
The first recorded spelling of Meeuwis was in 1367, in the Netherlands. Variants of the name Meuis have survived into modern times, and are still used in the Low Countries today.
The surname Meeuwis is one of many surnames derived from the first name Matthaeus, a Dutch version of the biblical name Matthew. Other variants include Metz, Meuse, Meijer, Maurer, and Matthais.
In the United States today, there are an estimated 300 people with the surname Meeuwis, most of whom are of Dutch descent. The surname is also located in other European countries such as Sweden, France, and Germany. The anglicized versions of Meeuwis, such as Meyers, are also found in the United States.
Famous people with the name Meeuwis
- Nol Meeuwis: Nol Meeuwis is a pop rock singer and songwriter from the Netherlands. He is best known for his hits "Vrienden voor het Leven" and "Ik Tel Tot 3".
- Frans Meeuwis: Frans Meeuwis is a Dutch actor and television personality, as well as a stage, film and commercial producer and director.
- Nicole Meeuwis: Nicole Meeuwis is a Dutch opera singer and conductor. She has performed extensively in Europe, South Africa, Asia, and the United States.
- Calvin Meeuwis: Calvin Meeuwis is a jazz musician and producer from the Netherlands and an advocate for jazz education in the country.
- Franciska Meeuwis: Franciska Meeuwis is a Dutch Labour Party member of the House of Representatives.
- Emiel Meeuwis: Emiel Meeuwis is a former Dutch track and field athlete and a participant in the 1980 Summer Olympics.
- Jeroen Meeuwis: Jeroen Meeuwis is a Dutch rower and Olympic bronze medalist.
- Ber van Meeuwis: Ber van Meeuwis is a chess master from the Netherlands and former two-time Dutch national champion.
- Yvo Meeuwis: Yvo Meeuwis is a Dutch rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter.
- Mijntje Meeuwis: Mijntje Meeuwis is a Dutch-American artist and designer working in the Netherlands.