Surname Voerster - Meaning and Origin
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Voerster: What does the surname Voerster mean?
The surname Voerster is of German origin, derived from the word "Voerster," which is a variation of the German name "Förster," meaning “forest guardian” or “forest keeper.” It is a occupational name, given to those who were responsible for tending to a forest, such as a gamekeeper or even an ancient hunter/gatherer. The word Förster was first used during the Middle Ages, steadily becoming more prevalent until the 19th century when millions of Germans immigrated to the United States. Many of these immigrants adopted the family name Voerster while in America, carrying it through the generations.
Those with the Voerster surname likely come from a long line of
foresters and outdoorsmen, with a strong connection to nature and the great outdoors. This tradition of conservation, the land, and its ecosystems have been passed down through the generations, making the Voerster name synonymous with someone who adheres to traditional values and appreciates the importance of preserving nature. Additionally, many members of the Voerster family are likely proud of their German heritage, as a generation of immigrants and their descendants carry the name with honour and respect.
Order DNA origin analysisVoerster: Where does the name Voerster come from?
The last name Voerster is most common in Germany, where in 2017 it was the second most common name in the country according to genealogy archives. Voerster is a predominantly Germanic name that is derived from the Germanic word "voer" meaning "field-stripper". The name was found more frequently in the rural areas of the country, where it may have been used as a surname to indicate one's occupation. It is likely that Voerster has spread from Germany to neighboring countries and beyond, as migration has become more widespread.
According to records from the U.S. Census Bureau, the surname Voerster appears in various states throughout the country. The name is found mainly in densely populated metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Houston. Outside of the U.S., the last name is most commonly found in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other European countries. Due to its Germanic origins, the last name may also appear in countries such as Russia and China.
Overall, the last name Voerster is one of the more common German surnames among areas all over the world. However, its prevalence outside of Germany is likely to have decreased over time.
Variations of the surname Voerster
Voerster is a German surname, derived from the Middle High German word ‘vörsater’ which meant ‘judge’. Variations of the surname include Voerster, Vörster, Vöerster, and Vörsters. Less common spellings for Voerster include Vörster, Vöerster, Vorster, Vörsters, Vöerssters, Voerrsters, Voersters, and Voeersters. Other surnames of the same origin include the Dutch surnames Voorst, Vorst, Voerst, Voors, and Voersts, as well as the Austrian variant Förster, and the Danish variant Førslev.
The Voorst and Førslev surnames originated with individuals who were employed as judges or foresters. In some countries, aristocratic families were given judicial authority and given the Voorst surname, although this is not a universal trait as some people with the surname may have been employed in a more literal judicial role.
In the United States, individuals with the Voerster surname may have been descendants of immigrants from Germany, the Netherlands, or Austria, who all changed the spelling of their names to reflect more American pronunciations of the language. Variants of the surname may have been anglicised to Voorst, Voorhees, Forshay, and Forshay.
Famous people with the name Voerster
- Ludwig Voerster, German mystic writer
- Margot Voerster, American painter
- Uwe Voerster, German former football player
- Christian Voerster, German pianist and conductor
- Brigitte Voerster, Austrian former alpine skier
- Jürgen Voerster, German former football player
- Hans-Jürgen Voerster, German geobotanist and ecologist
- Lindsay Voerster, Canadian former basketball player
- Wolfgang Voerster, German former footballer
- Heinrich Voerster, German geobotanist and ecologist