Surname Van Meter - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'V'
Van Meter: What does the surname Van Meter mean?
The last name Van Meter is of Dutch origin and it is an anglicized form of the surname Van Meteren. This name has a topographical nature, originated from a place called Meteren in the Netherlands. The prefix "Van" in Dutch often means "from" or "of", indicating origin. Thus, Van Meter can be interpreted as "from Meteren." It is also possibilities that it could be derived from an occupation - "Meter" referring to a person who measures (like a meter reader or a tax assessor). The exact original meaning will depend on the history of each specific lineage. However, it is important to note that family names can be influenced by a variety of factors including profession, location, or personal characteristics. It is often used in the Dutch, Belgian, and Afrikaans communities. Despite various possibilities, for many the name may simply represent a connection to their heritage and ancestors. While the name carries historical and cultural significance, specific meanings can vary widely.
Order DNA origin analysisVan Meter: Where does the name Van Meter come from?
The last name Van Meter is most commonly found in the United States today. The name originated in the Netherlands and Germany, and as a result, many of the earliest Van Meter immigrants settled in colonial America in the 1600s. The name is still very popular in big cities, with large Dutch populations, such as New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, as well as other parts of the US. Van Meter is also one of the most common surnames in Iowa, according to statistics, likely due to the predominately Dutch heritage of the state. Other states with high concentrations of the name are California, Ohio, Texas, and Michigan. It's estimated that there are more than 66,000 people with the last name Van Meter living in the United States today.
Variations of the surname Van Meter
VanMeter is one of the most common surnames of Dutch origin found in the United States and some other parts of the world. It is derived from a Dutch place name, and there are many variations and spellings of the surname VanMeter. Variations of Van Meter include VanMeter, Van Metre, Van Meeteren, Van Meeteren, VanMater, VanMatre, VanMatre, Van Metro, and Van Naden.
The spelling of the VanMeter surname may vary depending on regional dialects and pronunciations; for example, Van Meter is more common in the United States and Van Metre in Canada. The French spelling is typically Van Metre and in Germany, it is Van Meeter, while Van Naden is more popular among Dutch-speaking peoples.
The various spellings of Van Meter may also be a result of immigration and migrations. Over time, immigrants from the Netherlands anglicized their names or modified spellings to better suit the language and culture of their new country. For example, Dutch immigrants to the United States may have changed their name to Van Matre, while French immigrants may have changed their name to Van Metre.
People who adopted the Van Meter surname may have descended from brothers Gijsbert and Wilhelmus Van Meter, who arrived in New York in 1663. When the brothers left the Netherlands, they adopted the Van Meter moniker and began using it in the United States in the late-17th century. In the United States, Van Meter is mainly found in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, and New York.
In addition to the various spellings, surnames with different origins may also have evolved in the United States to resemble the spelling of Van Meter. Examples include Metre, Meter, Mader, Mether, and Meteer. Furthermore, some people may have mistakenly used Van Meter in place of their real surname due to the simple similarity in spelling.
Famous people with the name Van Meter
- Roberta Van Meter: American model, actress, author, and TV host
- Jack Van Meter: Major League Baseball pitcher
- Steve Van Meter: American poet, editor, and publisher
- Ryan Van Meter: American author
- Martha Van Meter: American Democratic politician
- Dwight Van Meter: American record label executive and music executive
- Paul Van Meter: American historian and writer
- Evan Van Meter: American actor and filmmaker
- Sarah Van Meter: American singer-songwriter
- Annie Van Meter: American social reformer and suffragist