Maps: The Netherlands, West Michigan | Close

Background Information

Naming Conventions

Early last names (surnames) were often based on occupations, places of residence, physical features, or even nicknames. Many last names were also created around the father's name (van Mieren or Jansen). Changes in spelling were common, especially at the time of emigration.

In 1811, Napoleon decreed that everyone must have a last name. Those who didn't have one had to create one and enter it into the special register called the naamsaanneming. Some patriots didn't like being forced to choose a last name, and so chose funny names like Bornnaked or Poepjes (shit).

When parents named their children in these areas of The Netherlands and Germany, originality was rarely a goal. Most families followed a widespread set of naming conventions based on these rules:

• The eldest boy was named after the paternal grandfather.
• The second eldest boy was named after the maternal grandfather.
• The eldest girl was named after the paternal grandmother.
• The second eldest girl was named after the maternal grandmother.
• If the first three children are all boys, sometimes a male version of the grandmother's name is given to the third boy. The same rule applies for three girls.
• If one of the parents were widowed, the first child with the same gender as the deceased received his or her name.
• If a child died, his or her name was often reused for the next child of the same gender.
• If all the names above were used up, the parents' siblings' names were often used, especially the ones who had died already.