Surname Terlaak - Meaning and Origin

Terlaak: What does the surname Terlaak mean?

The last name Terlaak is of Dutch origin. It is believed to be derived from the Dutch word 'tier', which means 'land' or 'area', and 'lak', which means 'ownership of land'. This suggests that the family have held a certain amount of land for at least a few generations. The use of the last name Terlaak may also indicate a person from the Netherlands, or an immigrant or descendant from that region.

Some believe that the Terlaak name is a derivative of the Dutch surname “Ter IJsselak”, which stands for “by/near the river IJssel”. This suggests a place of origin for the family and provides a geographical location to trace their ancestry.

The combination of the words 'tier' and 'lak' may also suggest a family of landowners or agriculturalists. This may explain why they chose to use the last name, as it refers to their ancestral profession or their ownership of land.

It is likely that the Terlaak family migrated from the Netherlands and landed in different countries or regions, acquiring a variety of spellings of their surname along the way. The variations include, Thierlack, Thierlacken, Thierlaak, Thierlaay, Terraak, Terrylak, Terrylaken, and Terlaak.

The term Terlaak is also an old Dutch term for “landsman”, or a person with a bond to the land. This further adds to the significance of the name in terms of the family's heritage and roots. Consequently, the surname is not only a reminder of the family's past, but also a reflection of their connection to the land.

Terlaak: Where does the name Terlaak come from?

The last name Terlaak is most commonly found in the Netherlands, particularly in the northern regions along the German border. It is a Dutch name, derived from the Old Dutch word, "Ter lagge" which means "belonging to the threshing floor."

In addition to the Netherlands, people with the surname Terlaak also reside in other parts of Europe, including Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. Within the Netherlands, the name is particularly common in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, and Overijssel. Outside of Europe, Terlaaks can also be found in Canada, the United States, Brazil, and Australia.

The Dutch Royal family also possesses the surname. Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands (1911-2004), the father of Queen Beatrix, was born Bernhard Friedrich Eugen Fritz Hubertus ter Laak.

Given the prevalence of the name, it can accurately be said that the last name Terlaak is common today in both Europe and the rest of the world.

Variations of the surname Terlaak

The surname Terlaak is of Dutch origin, and is a common German name. It can also be spelled as Derlak, Terlaag, and Derlaag. Variants of this name include Terlaaghe, Terlaakt, Terlaack, Terlaecke, and Terlecke. It is also a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the name of a parent, grandparent, or other ancestor’s first name- typically referring to fatherhood. Derlaag is a patronymic variant of the name, while Terlaaghe, Terlaack, and Terlecke are Dillish patronymic surnames.

The surname Terlaak and its variants are found in many regions of the world. In the Netherlands, it is fairly widespread. Many people with the name and its variants are found in the US, Canada, Argentina, South Africa, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Ukraine, and Greece.

In some cases, it can be derived from a location, such as a house called ter Laag, an estate or farm called Ter Laacken, or any other place named after the Laak family. In addition, there are variants of the name that refer to living near a body of water, such as the Laak River in the Dutch province of Limburg or a lake or pond. It could also refer to living near a bridge or ford, as pointed out by surname experts.

In conclusion, the surname Terlaak is of Dutch and German origin and has many variants and spellings. Its variants include Derlaag, Terlaaghe, Terlaack, Terlaecke, Derlaaghe, and Terlecke, while its spellings can be Terlaak, Derlak, and Terlag. It is also found in many parts of the world, including the US, UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, South Africa, and Greece. Moreover, it can be derived from a location, such as a river, lake, bridge, or ford.

Famous people with the name Terlaak

• Eric Terlaak: Dutch contemporary artist who works in the mediums of painting, sculpture, art books, and installations.
• Anneloes Terlaak: Dutch writer and poet whose work has won numerous awards, including the Theodor Holman Prijs.
• Maria Terlaak: Dutch radio and television personality known for hosting shows on Radio 538, Radio 10FM, Talpa, and RTL Boulevard.
• Willem Terlaak: Dutch competitive sailor and Paralympic bronze medalist who competed in the 2000 Summer Paralympics in sailing.
• Roland Terlaak: Dutch voice actor who has performed in various animated films, television series, and video games.
• Harry Terlaak: Dutch businessman and former chairman of the Royal Netherlands Institute of Specialists and Surgeons.
• Roel Terlaak: Dutch philatelic expert and author of several books on the history of Dutch postage stamps.
• Willem Terlaak Jr.: Dutch sculptor whose work is primarily focused on sculptures based on the human body with a focus on line and texture.
• Henk Terlaak: Dutch architect and initiator of the Stedenband (Cities Association) program which saw Dutch and Flemish cities connected with cultural, educational and economic relations.
• Janna Terlaak: Dutch children’s entertainer, television presenter, and panto performer. She is best known for hosting and performing in shows on Nickelodeon and Disney Channel.

Other surnames

Terlaack