VAN

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Van

The surname Van is of Dutch origin, deriving from the preposition "van" which translates to "of" or "from". Commonly associated with the Netherlands, the surname Van signifies a connection with a particular place or region. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Van have dispersed to various parts of the world, including the United Kingdom.

In the context of British surnames, the usage of Van is often linked to families with Dutch ancestry or individuals who have adopted the name for various reasons. The prefix Van is typically followed by the surname of the specific locality or family name, for instance, Van Dyke or Van Houten.

The surname Van carries a sense of heritage and cultural identity, reflecting the historical connections between the British Isles and the Low Countries. It is a testament to the rich tapestry of influences that have shaped British society through migration and intercultural exchanges.

Families bearing the surname Van in Britain have contributed to various fields, including academia, art, commerce, and politics. The name serves as a reminder of the diverse origins of the British population and the ongoing legacy of international migration throughout history.

There are approximately 316 people named Van in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Van.

Region of origin: Asia

Country of origin: Vietnam

Language of origin: Vietnamese

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Cong
David
Den
Edmund
Edward
Hieu
Hua
Jonathan
Martin
Michael
Peter
Phi
Raymond
Robert
Tuan

Female

Amy
Cap
Charlene
Cindy
Doreen
Eleanor
Emma
Fanh
Fiona
Katie
Lisa
Lorraine
Thi
Vi
Yen

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.