Surname Sijs - Meaning and Origin
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Sijs: What does the surname Sijs mean?
The surname Sijs is of Dutch origin. However, it doesn't have a specific meaning in Dutch. Many Dutch names are patronymic, occupational, or geographical. For example, a name could be derived from the father's name, the individual's job, or the location of their house or property. The surname Sijs doesn't appear to fit these descriptions. It's worth noting that "sijs" translates to "siskin" (a type of bird) in English, but it's not clear if the surname stems from this word. As with any surname, the true meaning might be lost in history or only known to specific family lines. Additionally, variations in spelling could further obscure the name's original meaning. Therefore, the exact meaning could potentially vary for different individuals or families bearing the surname Sijs.
Order DNA origin analysisSijs: Where does the name Sijs come from?
The last name Sijs is most commonly found in the Netherlands today. The Netherlands is a small country located in north-western Europe, which is also known as Holland. The name 'Sijs' originated from the Dutch town of IJsselstein where a prominent family of this name originated from. According to the Netherlands Institute for Family History, Sijs is the 9th most populous surname in the country, with an estimated 15,299 people carrying this name.
Sijs is derived from the word "sijs" which means "black bird". This name initially referred to people with a dark complexion. Over the years, the word has come to be associated with a long line of wealthy landowners in the town of IJsselstein. The oldest known document containing this name is a deed from the 14th century. Today, these landowners have become quite widespread throughout the Netherlands, particularly in the provinces of Gelderland and Utrecht.
Sijs is believed to have spread across the Netherlands by families seeking out economic opportunities and new agricultural lands. As a result, many families have spread out and recommunity the name across the country. Today, Sijs can be seen on shop signs, business owners, government officials, and citizens of the Netherlands living in rural and metropolitan areas. From the small town of IJsselstein to all corners of the Netherlands, the Sijs surname has travelled.
Variations of the surname Sijs
The surname "Sijs" is of Dutch, German, and Scandinavian origin and is believed to have derived from two different sources. The first source of the surname comes from the nickname Sijs, which derives from the Dutch word “sijs” meaning “sharp and pointed” and was likely given as a nickname for a person with such characteristics. The second source of the surname is from the Dutch word “sijzen” or “sijden” which is a dialetical form of the Old High German word “sige” and is thought to have been a habitational name given to people who lived by a pond or lake (such as those found in South Holland).
Variants and spellings of the surname, Sijs, include but are not limited to Sijsens, Sijssen, Sijsen, Sijse, Sijz, and Sijzen. Variations of the surname from other countries include the English versions of Sisse and Sewes, as well as Söjes and Seijs from Germany and Sweden, respectively.
Surnames that are believed to be of the same origin as Sijs include Sykes, Sieges, and Seizes. Sykes is an English variant of the same origin, and is thought to have derived from the same Old High German “sige” which means "a pond or lake". Seizes is a French variant of the same origin, and is thought to have derived from “seze”, a variant of the Germanic “sige”. Lastly, Sieges is believed to have derived from the Old High German “sige” as well and may have been derived from a nickname for a person who was successful in battle.
Famous people with the name Sijs
- Klaas Jan Sijs: Reverend and theologian who wrote the well-known hymn “Lofzang op de heer”.
- Corina Sijs: Belgium’s widow, former wife of Igor De Maeseneer.
- Antoon Sijs: Dutch actor who starred in several films such as De Geheimzinnige Polder, De Overval and De Bende van Anato.
- Rolf Sijs: Former head of the Dutch Government's Royal Investigation Service (RIB).
- Arie Sijs: Pianist and Surinamese- Dutch jazz musician.
- Daphne Sijs: Dutch professional tennis player who competed for the Netherlands in the 2004 Summer Olympics.
- Michael Sijs: Dutch artist who specializes in painting, sculpture, installation, and conceptual projects.
- Philippus Sijs: Dutch publicist, lawyer, and politician who was a notable opponent of the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War II.
- Henrik Sijs: Dutch businessman and entrepreneur, co-founder of the lifestyle magazine De Rechtbank.
- Marijke Sijs: Singer who represented the Netherlands in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with her song "Sweet Little Lies".