Surname Meuwissen - Meaning and Origin
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Meuwissen: What does the surname Meuwissen mean?
The last name Meuwissen is of Dutch origin and is derived from the word "meuw," which translates to "seagull." It is likely that the original bearer of this name lived near the sea or a large body of water, as the seagull depicted in the family crest and coat of arms was an ancient symbol of seafarers.
The Meuwissen family is an old Dutch family, tracing its roots back to the mid-14th century. In the past, the family was spread primarily throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. It is believed that the original Meuwissen family likely made a living through trade and seafaring activities.
The symbolic meaning of the Meuwissen name can be seen in the crest and coat of arms, which is divided into two sections. In the upper part, a white seagull is depicted, which symbolizes good luck and security, as it was believed that the closer a seafaring vessel was to a seagull, the safer the voyage. The lower part features a bordure engrailed, which is a heraldic device that signifies protection from illnesses.
The Meuwissen family may have adopted the seagull to represent a connection to the sea and maritime activities that were the source of their livelihood. Even today, the Meuwissen name is still associated with those who work on the sea or live near a large waterway. The Meuwissen family crest and coat of arms remain a testament to their seafarer roots and their ability to persevere.
Order DNA origin analysisMeuwissen: Where does the name Meuwissen come from?
Meuwissen is a Dutch surname, stretching back to the noble lineage of jonker Meuwissen from the Middle Ages. The family was widespread throughout the Netherlands until the 19th century, where records of Meuwissen households primarily subsided. Remnants of the family name can still be found in many parts of the country, though much more sparsely than before.
Today, the last name is most commonly found in the northern Dutch province of Friesland. It is also quite popular in the southern provinces of Limburg and Noord-Brabant. Geographically, within Friesland, it can most frequently be seen in the cities of Workum, Opende, and Joure.
Interestingly, the name is not exclusive to Dutch borders as a quick internet search will demonstrate. In countries around the world, such as Belgium, France, Germany, the United States, and Australia, among others, Meuwissen families have put down roots.
Overall, while the Meuwissen surname is somewhat rare today, its heraldic and emblematic legacy still finds its way into the minds of those familiar with the name. Particularly in the Netherlands, its presence is still strong, perhaps more so than other generations of Meuwissens have managed.
Variations of the surname Meuwissen
Meuwissen is a Dutch and Flemish topographic surname, referring to a person who came from a wet area. It could also be a nickname for someone who was often damp and muddy. The spelling variations of the name Meuwissen include Meuwis, Meuwissen, Meeuwis, Meuwisen, Meuwesen, Meuwessen, Meuwezen, and Meule.
Meuwis is a Dutch variant of the name, which has been recorded in various forms since 1593. Meule is a common Flemish spelling of the name.
Alternate surnames that arise from a root similar to Meuwissen include Meulemans, Moelen, Moens, Muilwijk, Muilwijks, Meeuwissen, Meeuwessen, Meurete, Meurtens, and Moote.
Meulemans is an occupational name, derived from the Dutch for 'miller', while Moote or Moet is a short form of the surname. Moens, Muilwijk and Muilwijks come from a house named ‘Muilen’, while Meurete and Meurtens come from the Dutch word for “to cut”.
Meuwissen has also been transliterated into English as Mewesen or Mewisen, as well as Mewsin.
Famous people with the name Meuwissen
- Nico Meuwissen: A Dutch fashion designer specializing in tailored, expressive and sustainable fashion.
- Wendy Meuwissen: A Dutch professional footballer currently playing in the Eredivisie for FC Twente.
- Vincent Meuwissen: A Dutch bobsledder who represented the Netherlands at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
- Anouk Meuwissen: A Dutch professional volleyball player competing in the Netherlands' premier professional league, the Eredivisie.
- Daniël Meuwissen: A Dutch comic book writer and artist, best known for his work on the comic series ‘De Avonturen van Teun: Uit het Noorden’.
- Seline Meuwissen: A Dutch singer-songwriter, known for her acoustic pop/rock and singer-songwriter songs.
- Bas Meuwissen: A Dutch artist specializing in abstract painting and installation art.
- Dutch Meuwissen: A former Dutch football player who played for numerous clubs throughout his lengthy career.
- Cor Meuwissen: A Dutch footballer and coach who currently manages Dutch amateur club AWC.
- Jeroen Meuwissen: A Dutch sculptor and painter, known for his unique and often large-scale sculptures.