Surname Meinders - Meaning and Origin
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Meinders: What does the surname Meinders mean?
The surname Meinders is of German origin and is a patronymic, meaning "son of Meier (a name derived from the Latin ‘Marcus’, meaning ‘great’)". The original ancestor being named Meier who is the root of the Meinders surname, passed this name down through generations of his descendants.
Meiers were usually landowners or people of higher social status who often acted with integrity and respectability. Thus, the Meinders surname has come to be respected and signify a prominent family.
Meinders is an occupational surname, and variations of the same name include Meyers, Maier, Meyer and Mayer. This surname has adopted many regional spellings in Germany, including Meender, Meynders, Maynilants and Meynteren.
It is most commonly found in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland. There are also some descendants in Mexico, where the surname is believed to have been taken by German immigrants in the late 19th century.
The Meinders symbol includes a shield with a six-pointed star crown and two goats in either side, representing victory. The six-pointed star symbol reflects the family's sense of justice and protection. The goats symbolize strength and bravery, characteristics that the Meinders family upholds and honors.
Order DNA origin analysisMeinders: Where does the name Meinders come from?
The last name Meinders is most commonly found in the Netherlands and Belgium, where it has been a name for many centuries. Records of the name can be found as far back as the 14th century in these countries. Today, it's estimated that over 47,500 people bear the name Meinders, mainly in Holland, Belgium, Germany, and Denmark. The name is also found in other countries around Europe and the Americas, with smaller numbers in the United States and Canada.
In Holland, the name is found mainly in the provinces of North Holland, Fryslân and Utrecht. In Belgium, the largest number of Meinders are located in East and West Flanders, in the north of the country. The family is believed to have originated from East Flanders, with some branches of the family eventually migrating to the Netherlands in the late 18th century.
Meinders is considered a patronymic name, derived from the name Matthijs. Over the years, the spelling has changed slightly, with variants such asMinders, Meynders, and Meindersz becoming more popular. Despite being a relatively common name in some parts of Europe, the name Meinders is not particularly widespread in North America.
Variations of the surname Meinders
The Meinders surname has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common spellings of the surname include: Meinders, Meinderts, Meindersen, Meindertsen, and Mendert. Other variants include: Meynders, Meyners, Meyndersen, Meynderssen, Mensing, Meindertz, and Meindersma.
The Meinders surname is derived from a patronymic form of the given name Meindert, which is a Dutch form of the old High German male name Maginhard, meaning “strong person” or “might”. This name is composed of the elements magin (“might”) and hard (“hardy” or “strong”).
The Meinders surname originated in the Dutch provinces and German provinces, with the first recorded Meinders being from the Netherlands in the 1600’s. By the 1800’s, the Meinders had spread to various parts of Europe, with populations in the Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavia.
The spelling of the Meinders name has changed over time due to various factors such as language barriers, immigration growth, or cultural assimilation. As a result, some of the spellings that have evolved for this surname include: Meynders, Meyners, Meyndersen, Meyndersen, Meindertzen, Mensing, Meinderts, Meindertsen, and Meindersma.
Regardless of its variant spellings, the Meinders surname is a unique name that has been in use for centuries. People bearing this name can trace their origin to the Dutch and German provinces, and they share a rich history and culture that is worth exploring.
Famous people with the name Meinders
- Frederik Meijer: American businessman, philanthropist, and writer who was considered the “father of modern mass merchandising.”
- William H. Meinders: American dairy farmer and philanthropist who served as chair of the Oklahoma City Airpark board of directors and who contributed to many universities.
- Roel Meinders: Dutch cartoonist and author who was best known for his comic series, “Max en de Maximonsters.”
- Dirk Meinders: Dutch former field hockey player who represented the Netherlands at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
- Hans Meinders: Dutch former speed skater who competed in several international championships during the 1980s.
- Herman Meinders: American founder and Chairman of the Board of the company, The Mombo Group.
- Elizabeth Meinders: American entrepreneur and philanthropist who was known for her work with the Art in Public Places organization.
- Frans Meinders: Dutch former football defender who played for several professional teams throughout his career, including FC Twente.
- Pieter Meinders: Dutch former ice hockey player who played professionally in both the Netherlands and Finland.
- Tiemen Meinders: Dutch former rower who competed in several events, including the 2008 Summer Olympics.