Surname Gerritzma - Meaning and Origin
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Gerritzma: What does the surname Gerritzma mean?
The surname Gerritzma is most commonly found in the Netherlands and is of Dutch origin. It is thought to be derived from the Old Dutch words "gert," meaning “spear,” and “ritsma,” meaning “steward,” which indicates a steward who wields a spear. This suggests its original bearer may have served as a guard or soldier of some kind.
It can also imply someone holding a position of authority but without a noble title. Since Dutch surnames were only adopted around the 12th century, its exact origin and meaning may never be known.
Today, Gerritzma is still quite popular within the Netherlands, particularly in the provinces of Groningen and Friesland. Additionally, it has been recorded in the Dutch colonies of Indonesia, South Africa and Suriname.
The name denotes a brave and dignified ancestor and is meant to be a reminder of the strength and courage of the original bearer. In modern times, the surname Gerritzma is a source of pride to its bearers and a symbol of history and culture.
Order DNA origin analysisGerritzma: Where does the name Gerritzma come from?
The last name Gerritzma is primarily a Dutch last name, with many of its bearers found in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, the latest figures indicate that there are around 2,400 people with this last name, mostly concentrated in the northern and eastern parts of the country.
The name is also found in the United States, with around 400 people recorded with this name in the 2020 census. Many people with this last name have Dutch heritage, but some may have descended from other nations, particularly those countries which have had close trading and cultural ties with the Netherlands throughout its history.
Today, the name Gerritzma may also found in other parts of Europe, such as Germany where some 117 people have the last name, and Belgium, where 187 people have the last name.
In summary, the last name Gerritzma is mostly found in the Netherlands and the United States, with smaller concentrations in other parts of Europe.
Variations of the surname Gerritzma
The origin and variants of the surname Gerritzma can be traced from the Ancient Dutch or Low German word "Gerrit". This is the root of the surname Gerritzma.
Variants of the surname Gerritzma consist of Gerritz, Garritz, Gerrits, Gerritson, Gerritssen, Gerretsen, Gerritzma, Gerrisma and Gerritsma. As spelling over the centuries has not been entirely uniform, some of these may have slightly different variations, such as Garitz, Garritz, Gerrettz, Gerritz, Gerritson, Gerretsen, Geritzma, Gerissma or Geritzsma.
Some of the surnames of the same origin as Gerritzma are Gerritz, Gerretsen, Gerrisma, Gersma, Gerritson, Gerritssen, Garritz and Garitz. For example, Gersma is an old Dutch version of the surname derived from the Dutch derivative Gerrit. Gerritson is the Dutch derivation of the surname and was used to denote a son who was named after his father who had the surname Gerritzma. Gerritssen and Gerretsen are also Dutch forms of the surname Gerritzma.
Gerritzma can also be found as a surname without any variants. It is derived from the Middle Dutch or Low German personal name 'Gerrit'. As the centuries progressed into modern-day society, this surname has stayed relatively unchanged and still can be seen as a surname without variants in some areas today.
Famous people with the name Gerritzma
- Gerry Gerritzma: Former professional Dutch footballer
- Alex Gerritzma: Dutch professional football player for ADO Den Haag
- Rixt Gerritzma: Dutch businesswoman and former CEO of Shell Gas & Power
- Rinse Gerritzma: Professional Dutch chess player
- Jeroen Gerritzma: Former Dutch football player
- Kim Gerritzma: Dutch professional football player
- Pieter Gerritzma: Dutch professional football player
- Rens Gerritzma: Award-winning Dutch entrepreneur and business coach
- Chris Gerritzma: Dutch professional football player
- Manon Gerritzma: Dutch professional football player