Last Names of Early Settlers As stated before, most of the first generation settlers in New Netherland did not have surnames that were passed down from generation to generation. So, what did those without a surname use as last names?
- Most settlers used patronyms as their last name (What is a patronym? Click here).
- Often, settlers used the name of the place they had come from, in addition to their patronyms, to distinguish themselves. Often, these names took the form of "Van" (meaning from) and then the place name (for example, Van Etten). (For more information, see the Origins Page).
- Settlers sometimes also distinguished themselves by their occupations in addition to their patronym. Examples are Metsselaer (mason), Lyndraeyer (ropemaker), and Backer (baker). Cor Snabel's list of old Dutch occupations on Willem Rabbelier's website comes in handy here.
- Sometimes, they used descriptive words. These could be such things as the individual's characteristics (kleyn=small or groot=big, for example) or ethnicity (noorman=Norseman).
- A few of the Dutch did have surnames. Also, many of non-Dutch who settled in New Netherland had surnames (for example, the Flemish family of Provoost and the English Thomas Chambers).
Continue on to Subsequent Generations.
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Michelle's Main Page New Netherland Family History Names Page (General) Last Names Page To contact me: michelle@boydhouse.com
Last updated 21 Oct 2002.
© Michelle Boyd, 2003.