Surname ter Laare - Meaning and Origin

ter Laare: What does the surname ter Laare mean?

The surname "ter Laare" has Dutch origins, distinctly indicative of a family lineage from the Netherlands. The exact meaning of "ter Laare" is not clearly defined as it possibly refers to a specific location or a geographical feature in the Netherlands. The "ter" in Dutch surnames usually means "at" or "in", used typically to indicate a place of origin or residence. Hence, "Laare" could be a place, landmark, or region in the Netherlands. It could also have denoted a characteristic of an ancestor, such as a profession or personal trait. However, without a specific historical reference or widely recognized definition, the precise meaning of "ter Laare" is speculative and could vary based on historical context or regional dialects. Like many ancient surnames, it has likely evolved over centuries, possibly undergoing changes in spelling and usage. It is vital to understand that such surnames often provide a window into one's history and genealogy, offering intriguing insights into familial roots, migration patterns, and ancestral professions.

ter Laare: Where does the name ter Laare come from?

The last name Ter Laare is most commonly found in The Netherlands today. It is an old Dutch surname, derived from the name Laren which referred to a settlement in the province of Noord-Holland. The earliest documented traces of the last name date back to 13th century medieval Holland, when people started taking on hereditary last names for easier identification.

The Ter Laare name is most concentrated in the Northern provinces of The Netherlands, namely Noord-Holland, Groningen and Friesland. In the province of Noord-Holland, it is one of the top 50 most common surnames. While Ter Laare is not unheard of in other countries, like Germany and Belgium, the absolute highest concentration is in The Netherlands.

In modern times, the Ter Laare last name can be more broadly associated with Dutch ancestry. It points to a Dutch heritage for anyone sporting it, and is indicative of the family’s deep roots in the land of the Netherlands. A lot of people with this last name today are proud of where their family comes from and actively connect with other individuals of Dutch descent.

Variations of the surname ter Laare

The surname Ter Laare is a Dutch individual name that originated in the Netherlands. It is commonly spelled Ter Laar or Ter Laarhoven. Other variant spellings include Terlaar, Terlaarhoven, Terlaer, and Terlare. The name is also present in various countries and cultures around the world, with different spellings and variations throughout history.

In the Netherlands, the surname can be found in various historical records. Documents from the 1600s indicate that the name was most likely developed from a geographic location, as many Dutch surnames were. The precise origin is not known, however it is thought to have originated in one of the two provinces of Dutch origin, North Holland and South Holland.

Outside of the Netherlands, the name can be found in various spellings. In France, the name is has been spelled Terlaire or Terlaer. Similarly, in Germany, the name is spelled Terlohr. In North America, orthographical variants of the name include Terlare, Terarel, Terlaro, Terrell and Terlaar.

In some cases, the surname has merged with other related surnames, such as Telar, Telarhoven and Telare. This can be seen in both surnames originating from the Netherlands, as well as those from other European countries.

Overall, the surname Ter Laare, with its various spellings and forms, is still a common name in much of Europe and also in certain areas of North America. Its roots stem from the Netherlands, and is a part of the ever-growing history of Dutch surnames.

Famous people with the name ter Laare

• Perdo Ter Laare: Famous American novelist, screenwriter, and producer.
• Micha Ter Laare: Dutch singer-songwriter and musician.
• Joakim Ter Laare: Swedish tennis player.
• Eric ter Laare: Dutch professional footballer.
• Peter ter Laar: Dutch film director and actor.
• Karina ter Laare: Dutch television presenter.
• Willem ter Laar: Dutch media and entertainment entrepreneur and investor.
• Teniente Terlaar: Argentine naval officer and oceanographer.
• Jeroen ter Laare: Dutch competitive sailor.
• Bart ter Laare: Dutch philosopher and scholar specializing in the philosophy of science.

Other surnames

ter Laak