Surname Voorhis - Meaning and Origin
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Voorhis: What does the surname Voorhis mean?
The surname Voorhis is of Dutch origin, derived from "voor" meaning "before" or "in front of" and "huis" meaning "house". It could represent a geographical location, indicating that the bearers of this name historically dwelt near the front of a house, had property at the forefront of a village, or lived by a notable or central house in a town. Like many surnames, it started as a nickname referring to a location or characteristic that helped to distinguish individuals with the same given name. Given the change and development of language over time, there are also variations in the spelling of this surname including Voorhees, Voorhies, and others. It is primarily found in regions with Dutch influence, including the Netherlands and parts of the United States, especially in areas with historic Dutch immigrant communities.
Order DNA origin analysisVoorhis: Where does the name Voorhis come from?
The last name Voorhis is most common today in the United States, primarily among descendants of settlers of Dutch origin. The first known record of the last name dates back to the 1500s, when it appeared in records of a Dutch family living in the Netherlands. Although the surname is found throughout the United States, Massachusetts, Iowa, and Michigan have the highest concentration of Voorhis families. The name is also found in other countries, such as South Africa, Canada, and Australia, due to emigration.
In the United States, the Voorhis family history is closely tied to the practice of Dutch Reform Church in America. Cypres Van Voorhis, one of the first to carry the last name, arrived in America in the 1630s, and the name has been used by his family ever since. Over the years, the Voorhis family has had a lasting influence on American industry, philanthropy, and politics.
Today, the Voorhis family continues to have a strong presence in the United States. Notable members include Lyndon B. Johnson’s special assistant Horace Voorhis; Mother Jones magazine publisher and philanthropist John Voorhis; and DOD innovator and engineer John T. Voorhis. As descendants of Dutch settlers, the Voorhis people continue to value the legacy of hard work and success that the family has built throughout the centuries.
Variations of the surname Voorhis
The surname Voorhis is a Dutch or German surname. Variants and spellings of this surname include Vorhis, Vorhees, Voorhes, Vorshis, Voorhies, and Vorhies. In Dutch, it is spelled Voorhuis, Voorhees, Voorshuis, Voorhuijsen, and Vorhies. In German, it is often spelled Vorhis, Vorshius, and Vorhius. There are also some regional variations, such as Voors_ or Vorrich.
The surname is derived from the Dutch word 'Voorhuis', which means 'house in front', or 'forebears'. The name was likely used to identify a person who resided near the front of a property or a community. It could also have referred to a river crossing near the residence.
The Voorhis surname is believed to have first become popular in Europe during the medieval era. It likely originated in the German states or Dutch region of the Low Countries, though over time, it has become more widespread. In addition, many families with the Voorhis surname migrated to the United States and Canada in the late 19th century.
Today, the Voorhis surname is most likely to be found in the United States and Canada. It is also relatively common in the Netherlands and Germany, as well as some parts of South America and Australia. In addition, many families with the surname have adopted different variations of the spelling, such as Vorhis, Vorhies, and Voorhies.
Famous people with the name Voorhis
- Jerome Voorhis: a U.S. Representative from California from 1937-1943 and was the founder of the Citizens Independent vice-Progressive Party in 1948.
- Bram Voorhis: an American independent filmmaker and screenwriter, best known for his documentary films.
- Don Voorhis: an American track and field athlete, who won the bronze medal in 110 m hurdles at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki.
- Ruth Ash Voorhis: an American chemist and entrepreneur, best known as one of the founders of the National Science Teachers Association in 1944 and a leading figure in the development of science education in the United States.
- Merwyn (Merv) Voorhis: an American baseball player who played in the major leagues from 1948 to 1951.
- Dudley Voorhis: an American politician, who served as a US Representative from New York from 1929 to 1933.
- William Herbert Voorhis: an American banker and politician, who served as the National Commander of the American Legion from 1929 to 1931.
- David Richard Voorhis: an American labor leader and politician, who served as President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America from 1948 to 1961.
- Steffi Voorhis: an American painter and illustrator, best known for her illustrations in humorous magazines such as Life and Judge.
- Jan Voorhis: an American naturalist and physician, who authored ‘The American Medical Companion’ in 1812.