Surname Schouten - Meaning and Origin
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Schouten: What does the surname Schouten mean?
The last name Schouten is of Dutch origin and is derived from the occupational surname ore nickname given to an individual who worked as a trader, witness, or scribe. The surname literally means "scout" or "witness." This originates from the medieval Dutch word "schouw," which is derived from the Latin "exagium," meaning weighing or inspection. The name was likely given to a non-nobleman who did such a job or was given the nickname or surname by someone in power.
The surname Schouten is popularly found throughout the Netherlands, especially in the province of North-Holland. It is also quite popular in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. In the United States census of 2000, more than 4,500 people reported having the Schouten surname.
The Schoutens have a rich history in the Netherlands. The first records of the family can be traced back to the 16th century in Leiden, a city in South-Holland. The family has played a role in many aspects of Dutch life since then, including politics, education, religion, and business.
The Schouten family has also had an effect on the history of other countries. For example, Schouten and several of his sons were merchants and sent to explore and trade in Asia in the early 17th century. One of his sons, Willem Cornelisz Schouten, was the first to sail through the island group now known as the Solomon Islands.
Overall, the last name Schouten is a reminder of the key role the Schouten family has had in various aspects of Dutch history. It is a reflection of the family’s past and present successes, both at home and abroad.
Order DNA origin analysisSchouten: Where does the name Schouten come from?
The last name Schouten is most commonly found in the Netherlands today, particularly in the north, where there are approximately 21,000 people bearing this last name. The Schouten surname has been present in the Netherlands since at least the 16th century, when Dutch explorer Willem Schouten set out in search of a new route to the Pacific Ocean. The surname first gained more widespread usage after the Dutch Republic declared independence in 1581.
The Schouten name has had a presence in the Netherlands for centuries, and there are still many Schouten families living there today. The name also spread to other countries around the world during the Dutch emigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Schouten families can be found in most major countries in Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Despite its prevalence in the Netherlands, the Schouten last name has never reached the global status of many of the other iconic Dutch surnames, such as van den Berg, de Groot, and van Dijk. Nonetheless, it is still a fairly common name in many countries worldwide and is recognized as a distinct Dutch name.
Variations of the surname Schouten
The surname Schouten is believed to originate from a Dutch occupational term meaning “sheriff” or “bailiff” and is found in various forms across Europe. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include:
* Schouten / Schout
* Schauten / Schaut
* Schoutenmare
* Schoutman
* Schuut / Schuutman
* Schouwman
* Schuurman / Schuurmans
In Germany, the surname is usually spelled Schouten, or Schauten, and is a popular name in Luxembourg. In the Netherlands, variants of Schouten are more common such as Schuut or Schuutman. in Flanders (Belgium), it is known as Schouwman and in Scandinavia, the most common spelling is Schuurman or Schuurmans.
The Schouten surname is also popular in the United States and Canada. In the United States, spellings often change to Schout, Schoutenmare, or Schoutman due to differences in pronunciation. In Canada, the surname is usually spelled Schouten.
No matter the country the Schouten surname originated in, the characters of this surname are filled with strong personalities, unique personalities, and an adventurous spirit. The bearer of the surname Schouten could be a brave soul, devoted to bringing help and justice to those in need.
Famous people with the name Schouten
- Femke Schouten: Dutch singer, songwriter, and artist.
- Robert Schouten: Dutch politician and electoral candidate.
- Pieter Schouten: Dutch painter and engraver.
- Henk Schouten: Dutch former professional motocross racer.
- Martin Schouten: Dutch contemporary visual artist.
- Klaas Schouten: Dutch former professional motocross racer.
- Johannes Schouten: Dutch Olympic athlete in the sport of modern pentathlon.
- Jentsje Schouten: Dutch former professional cyclist.
- Shem Schouten: Dutch Olympic athlete in the sport of judo.
- Johan Schouten: Dutch politician and human rights activist.