Surname Wasserkamp - Meaning and Origin
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Wasserkamp: What does the surname Wasserkamp mean?
The last name Wasserkamp is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German words wasser (meaning "water"), and kamp (meaning "field"). The surname likely referred to the occupation of a person who owned or worked a field that was surrounded by water. In other words, Wasserkamp could be translated to mean "water field" or "meadow by the water."
In German records dating back to the 12th century, the Wasserkamp surname appears in the documents of many noble lines. One of the earliest documented instances of the Wassekamp surname is that of Hencricus de Wasserkemp, a diplomat who lived in the first half of the 12th century in Ghrnestat, Germany.
The Wassekamp surname was also found throughout the Middle Ages. Records of the surname are particularly frequent in the states of North Rhiene-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Bavaria. For the most part, Wasserkamp families lived in small towns and villages near rivers and streams, in keeping with the literal meaning of their name.
Today, Wasserkamp remains a relatively common last name in Germany, often used by folks who still live near bodies of water. Its historical significance and unique origin continue to make it a meaningful part of many individuals’ identities.
Order DNA origin analysisWasserkamp: Where does the name Wasserkamp come from?
The last name Wasserkamp is most common today in the Netherlands and parts of Germany. The name is derived from the Dutch words wasser (water) and kamp (field), and literally means “water field” or “weedy marsh”. This name likely referred to people who lived near marshlands or beside small lakes.
In the Netherlands, Wasserkamp is still a popular surname, particularly in eastern regions of the country. It is the 278th most common name in the country and ranks 73rd in the province of North Holland.
In Germany, the name is most popular in the states of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. It is the 722nd most common name in the country.
In the United States, the name is still relatively uncommon. It was first used by a Dutch immigrant family in the early 1800s and remains popular in the Pennsylvania Dutch region of Lancaster Country.
One of the earliest known Wasserkamp from the Netherlands was Adriaan ten Wasserkamp, a merchant based in Amsterdam. He moved to New Amsterdam (modern-day New York City) in 1650.
Today, the Wasserkamps of the world are widely dispersed. With immigration and social mobility, their presence can be found from the Netherlands to the United States, as well as in other countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Wasserkamp
The surname Wasserkamp has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Wasserkam, Wassercamp, Wasserkemp, Wasservamp, and Wasservam.
The surname Wasserkamp originated from a German language word which means “water field” or “water camp”. The surname likely originated from geography as it may have been adopted by inhabitants of a particular area known for its water fields. It may have also been adopted by people who were physical workers, such as a farmer, or a craftsman, such as a blacksmith.
The surname Wasserkamp can be seen in many other parts of Europe, including the Netherlands, Switzerland, and France. As such, many other spellings of the surname have developed in other countries, including De Wassercamps, Waterkamp, Wassarkin, Wassckermp,chells, Wasserkampe, Wassercamp, Wasserkemp, Wasservamp, and Wasservam.
The Wasserkamp surname is common in the United States, and it can be found in most of the northern states. Notable bearers of the surname Wasserkamp include German-American boxer Henry Wasserkamp, and Dutch Olympic swimmer Cees Wasservamp.
The Wasserkamp surname is most commonly found in areas across Canada, the United States, Germany, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium. It is an increasingly popular surname in Europe, and it continues to grow in popularity throughout the world.
Famous people with the name Wasserkamp
- Toni Wasserkamp: Toni Wasserkamp is the chief executive officer at Valimail, a Silicon Valley startup that focuses on protecting organizations from email-based cyber attacks.
- Ellenor Wasserkamp: Ellenor Wasserkamp is a German artist whose artworks consist of nature-inspired materials.
- Philipp Wasserkamp: Philipp Wasserkamp is a novelist whose works explore the struggles and triumphs of life in post-WWII Germany.
- Anja Wasserkamp: Anja Wasserkamp is a contemporary Swiss artist whose creative musical compositions challenge conventional ideas.
- Erik Wasserkamp: Erik Wasserkamp is a Dutch athlete who competed in the long jump at the 1960 Olympics, helping his country win a bronze medal.
- Eleonore Wasserkamp: Eleonore Wasserkamp is a Canadian figure skater who has competed in several international competitions.
- Wilhelm Wasserkamp: Wilhelm Wasserkamp was a German geologist whose studies of the Atlantic Ocean uncovered new theories about plate tectonics.
- Harald Wasserkamp: Harald Wasserkamp is a German writer and co-founder ofthe Lessinggymnasium-Kleinmachnow school in Berlin.
- Ina Wasserkamp-Klink: Ina Wasserkamp-Klink is an Austrian film director who has won awards for her work at the Cannes Film Festival.
- Jan Wasserkamp: Jan Wasserkamp is a Dutch musician and multi-instrumentalist who has released several albums as a solo artist and with various ensembles.