Surname Spanjers - Meaning and Origin
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Spanjers: What does the surname Spanjers mean?
The last name Spanjers is of Dutch origin and is derived from a nickname for a person with thin and long legs. It is believed to have evolved from the Dutch word "spanker" which was used to refer to someone who moved with long strides.
In the Netherlands, the name has been shortened to 'Spanjers'. In the English-speaking world, it has been alternately spelled 'Spangler'.
People with the last name Spanjers are related to the old Dutch speaking population, likely to have lived along the coast of what was previously known as the Dutch Republic. The region has since been renamed The Netherlands.
In modern times, Spanjers is a somewhat rare last name. Those who do bear this name are mainly concentrated in The Netherlands, the United States of America, and Canada.
People with the last name Spanjers are proud of their Dutch heritage and are often associated with the Netherlands' unique and colorful culture, including traditional Dutch food, customs, language, and art. Those of Dutch descent are sometimes nicknamed 'Little Dutchmen' and 'Dutchies', which refers to their close ties to the historical homeland of their ancestors.
Those with the last name Spanjers value friendship, family, and hard work. These values have been carried across the generations, reminding those with this last name of their historical roots and the importance of staying connected to their community and Dutch heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisSpanjers: Where does the name Spanjers come from?
The surname Spanjers is found most commonly in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, and France. It is also present to a lesser degree in other parts of Europe, as well as North and South America, Africa, and Australia. This likely dates back to the initial migration of the Spanjers family in the Middle Ages.
In the Netherlands, Spanjers is the 94th most common surname, with about 9500 residents bearing that name in 2019. In Belgium, it is the 125th most common, with about 5500 people having it. In Germany, it ranks 175th, with around 3600 people. Spanjers is most common in the Netherlands' province of Utrecht, where it ranks 20th, and the Dutch commune of Stadskanaal, where it is 4th.
The origin of the Spanjers name is debatable. It has variously been suggested to be of Germanic, Latin, or Spanish origin, with no conclusive evidence for any of them. Additionally, records of the family prior to the 16th century are scarce.
The current span of geographic distribution of the surname Spanjers appears to be largely a result of the migration of its original bearers, driven by general population movements in Europe over the centuries, as well as individual migrations in later centuries.
Variations of the surname Spanjers
The Spanjers surname is derived from the Dutch language and is a relatively uncommon surname. Variants of the surname include Spangen, Spanjer, Spanjen, Spang, and Spannier. All of these surnames are related in that they are derived from a few similar Dutch language roots, whether that be from the word “spange” meaning “bunch of twigs” or “spanken” meaning “ties”.
Spangen is the original spelling of the name, derived from “spange”, meaning a “bunch of twigs”. This Germanic spelling has likely evolved from, and is still sometimes used interchangeably with, Spanjer. This is the more common spelling of the name in the Netherlands, which comes from the Dutch word “spanken” meaning “ties”. Spanjen is a variant spelling of the name derived from the Dutch verb “spanken”, meaning “tying” or “fastening”.
Spang is an alternate spelling of the surname, associated most closely with German speakers, though it is also used in other parts of Europe. This variant is derived from the Middle Dutch word “spangen” which refers to a “metal ring or hoop”. Spannier is another variant spelling of Spanjers, which is a combination of the Dutch words “span” and “ier” meaning “spanner” or “leader”. This version of the surname is more likely to be seen in Belgium than anywhere else.
Overall, the Spanjers surname is an uncommon surname that has multiple spellings and variations. The Dutch and German versions of the surname suggest that it is likely associated with either “ties” or “twigs”, suggesting a descent from a family of weavers or farmers. Ultimately, the exact origin of the surname is unknown, though its various spellings may offer clues into the family’s heritage and history.
Famous people with the name Spanjers
- Kaitlin Spanjers: Actress known for her work on 8 Simple Rules and the chick flick The Princess Diaries.
- John Spanjers: Actor who has appeared in various television series, such as True Blood and Royal Pains.
- Chris Spanjers: Producer and actor who has produced shows such as The Ricky Gervais Show and Nine's The Voice.
- Eric Spanjers: A songwriter who has written several chart-topping tunes for John Denver, Doobie Brothers, and David Bowie.
- Dennis Spanjers: A jazz musician and educator. He has released four albums and has played with the likes of Linda Ronstadt and Peabo Bryson.
- Bill Spanjers: A potter and sculptor who is known for his work in clay and stone.
- Ted Spanjers: A designer, writer and producer. He is behind several popular travel videos and television shows such as Pizza Wars, Fat People, and Mega Mansions.
- Thomas Spanjers: A state senator in Pennsylvania.
- Alfred Spanjers: A researcher in the field of neuroscience. He has published several scholarly articles and has given lectures at major universities.
- Hugo Spanjers: A Dutch artist and sculptor who is known for his unique sculptures in glass and bronze.