Surname Dijkema - Meaning and Origin
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Dijkema: What does the surname Dijkema mean?
The last name Dijkema is a Dutch patronymic surname, meaning "son of Dijk." The name Dijk is a Dutch topographic name for someone who lived along a dike, or a wall built to prevent flooding. It can also refer to someone who lived near a physical dike, such as a river. It can also be interpreted as meaning someone who lived near the shore of a lake or sea.
In Dutch culture, Dijkema is a very common name. It has been traced back to the 1500's, when the Dutch began settling in what is now modern-day Netherlands. The name has also spread throughout Europe, with its inhabitants eventually settling in other countries.
As a last name, Dijkema indicates a strong connection to Dutch heritage and the country's history. It may also signify an affinity for water, and for the Dutch waterways in particular. People with the last name Dijkema may take pride in their heritage and appreciate the beauty of the natural waterways around their homes. They may have grown up fishing, sailing, and spending time by the rivers, lakes, and seas of their homeland.
Order DNA origin analysisDijkema: Where does the name Dijkema come from?
The last name Dijkema is most common in the Netherlands and its immediate neighbours, notably Germany and Belgium. It is rarer outside of this region, with the largest concentrations of Dijkema's outside of the Netherlands being found in Denmark, Norway and parts of the United States.
In the Netherlands, the name is most common in the northern provinces, where its presence is especially pronounced in the provinces of Groningen, Drenthe and Friesland. Other provinces such as Overijssel and Flevoland also have residents bearing this surname.
Internationally, the surname is most popular in the United States, where the majority of Dijkema's are located in California and the Midwest. Other popular locations are in Canada, Australia and some countries in South America.
In all, having a last name of Dijkema is relatively uncommon and the majority of people bearing the surname can be traced back to a single, ancestral origin. However, thanks to migration, this name is now found all around the world.
Variations of the surname Dijkema
The surname Dijkema has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
One variant spellings of Dijkema is Dykstra which is derived from the Dutch word Dijk and translates to "of the dyke." Another variant is Dykman, which also derives from the Dutch word Dijk and means "the man who has earned the right to live near the dyke."
The surname Dekker has a close relation to Dijkema. The Dutch word Dekker means "thatcher," and thus those with the Dekker surname were likely involved in the business of thatching. Another similar name is Dykhuizen, which is derived from the combination of the Dutch words Dijk and Huis, meaning "house near a dyke."
The surnames Dijk, Dijkman, Dijkhuizen, and Dijkema can all be seen as related. They all derive from the Dutch word Dijk, which translates to "dyke." Dijk is likely an occupational name for people who lived near a dyke. Dijkman, and variations such as Dykstra, Dykman, and Dykhuizen, are also derived from this same word in some way.
All these variants, spellings, and surnames show a clear relationship with the Dutch word Dijk. Though they may have different meanings, they all share the same origin. Each of these variants or spelling likely developed as different individuals with these respective surnames began to set up a family name for themselves.
Famous people with the name Dijkema
- Rob Dijkema: Dutch footballer who played for the Dutch first division club FC Volendam.
- Floris Dijkema: Dutch political illustrator, working for the Dutch left-wing political magazine De Groene Amsterdammer.
- Marijke Dijkema: renowned Dutch artist, specialising in sculptures and large-scale installations.
- Frans Dijkema: Dutch campaigner and former Direcotor General of the national bureau of the World Wildlife Fund.
- Daniël Dijkema: Dutch marketing entrepreneur, co-founder of Neuromarketing Answers.
- Taco Dijkema: Dutch footballer who played for top-flight clubs such as Feyenoord, Roda JC and FC Groningen.
- Hans Dijkema: Dutch astrophysicist and Professor at the Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics at the University of Chicago.
- Lisanne Dijkema: Dutch dancer and choreographer with several awards, works with the international youth dance company Flying steps.
- Jeff Dijkema: Canadian football player, won the Grey Cup in 1990 with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
- Siena Dijkema: Dutch singer-songwriter, released her debut album ‘Beginnings’ in 2017.