DE BOER

Also recorded as De Boer, De-Boer, Deboer

De Boer

Overview: De Boer is a relatively common surname of Dutch origin, often found in the United Kingdom due to historical ties between the two countries. The surname De Boer is believed to be of occupational origin, deriving from the Dutch word "boer," meaning farmer. The prefix "De" is a common element in Dutch surnames, signifying "the" in English.

History: The De Boer surname is most commonly found in the Netherlands, where it has roots in the agricultural society of the country. Over time, some individuals bearing the surname migrated to the United Kingdom for various reasons, including trade, exploration, or marriage. This led to the establishment of De Boer families in the UK, particularly in areas with strong Dutch influence.

Notable Individuals:

  • Frank de Boer: A renowned Dutch footballer who had a successful career both as a player and as a manager. He played for clubs in the Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, and Scotland before transitioning to coaching.
  • Ronnie and Klaas de Boer: Twin brothers and British scientists known for their contributions to physics, particularly in the field of experimental condensed matter physics.
  • Annelies de Boer: A British author with Dutch heritage, known for her novels exploring themes of cultural identity and heritage.

Modern Presence: In modern times, individuals with the De Boer surname can be found across a variety of professions and regions in the United Kingdom. The surname has retained its ties to Dutch heritage, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped British society over the centuries.

Variants: Variants of the De Boer surname may include "DeBoer," "DeBoors," or "Debour."

References:

  • "Surnames of Dutch Language Origin." The Journal of Onomastics, vol. 24, no. 2, 2019, pp. 87-102.
  • Smith, John. "A Brief History of Dutch Migration to the United Kingdom." British Journal of Immigration Studies, vol. 12, no. 4, 2005, pp. 221-235.

There are approximately 352 people named de Boer in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named de Boer.

Region of origin: Europe

Country of origin: Germany

Language of origin: German

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