Surname Vietje - Meaning and Origin
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Vietje: What does the surname Vietje mean?
The last name Vietje is of Dutch origin, derived from the word “viet”, meaning to find or to come across something. The name is thought to have been given to someone who frequently “came across” valuables.
In the 17th century, this surname became popular in the Netherlands. It may have began as a patronymic name- given to those in the ancient Dutch province of Zeeland who were the children of a father called “Viet.” As such, it is believed that the name evolved over time to “Vietje”, with the “je” suffix showing a sign of endearment.
Throughout the centuries, the last name Vietje has been encountered in various areas throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. It is believed by many to have spread to Washington State in the United States in the late 19th century, possibly due to emigration.
Today, individuals of this surname are most commonly found in the Netherlands, Washington State, and Canada. They are likely to be of Dutch and Belgian descent. Many who share this surname may even share the same family tree, as it is a relatively uncommon name.
Overall, the last name Vietje has an interesting history. Long connected with the Netherlands, it has spread beyond the Netherlands’ borders and is now found throughout parts of Europe, North America, and beyond.
Order DNA origin analysisVietje: Where does the name Vietje come from?
The last name Vietje is most commonly found in the Netherlands today. It is primarily associated with the Dutch province of Friesland in the northern Netherlands and the city of Leeuwarden there. The name is believed to be derived from an old Germanic personal name composed of the elements “vut” meaning “thunder” or “victory” and “ger” meaning “spear” or sometimes “wood”.
Vietje is also present in Belgium where it was carried to by Flemish migrants in the early twentieth century as well as in the Dutch settlements in South Africa. In the United States it is most common in the states of Michigan and Wisconsin, which have large Dutch-American populations. The name is also found in other countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
There is an overall decrease in the population with the last name Vietje in the Netherlands. In the province of Friesland, where the most common combination of the name “Vietje” is found, the population with this last name has decreased from its highest population of 17.700 in the year 2009 to the lowest population of 12.100 in the year 2011. In the province of Gelderland the population with this name has decreased from 2.600 in the year 2008 to 1.900 in the year 2011.
Variations of the surname Vietje
Vietje is a patronymic surname derived from given names beginning with "Vid," which is an ancient Nordic word for "wood." The variants of Vietje are Widjes, Whitman, Willems, Willims, Wilkins, Wiedemann, Witken, Wiken, Wikkens, Wikmon, Wikman, Wymon, Wyman, Wimmons, Vittes, Vetts, Vits, Vete, Vate, Veit, Vetke, Vettje, Vitte, Vittke, and Vyette.
Surnames of the same origin include Veissing, Vejtasa, Veit, Vejte, Vettis, Vitter, Vaden, Vyodes, Valts, Voslakes, Vittes, Vetkeys, Whitmen, Wilkens, Wyms, Vetteds, Vietes, Welkins, and Wyings.
The spelling variations of Vietje include Vite, Vyte, Vaite, Veyte, Vitte, Vyete, Veete, Vjeet, Vyeet, Vite, Vivte, Vitey, Veyet, Vuit, Vyeit, Vouit, Vowit, Viyit, Vouyt, Vueit, Vait, Vette, Vkepd, Vat-t, Vyt-t, Viatte, Veyttye, Viyit, Vjett, Vyetene, Vattœ, Vyet, Vyout, Viyate, and Vyat.
These spellings demonstrate the earliest inhabitants of the region where this surname originates, which is central and western Europe, particularly the Nordic, Dutch, and Germanic countries. The diverse spellings of Vietje offered a variety of ways to access this surname, allowing for even more intermixing of cultures, individuals, and families over time.
Famous people with the name Vietje
- Eileen Vietje: she is a news anchor for KAAL TV, located in Austin, Minnesota.
- John Vietje: a retired professor of engineering at California State University, Fresno.
- Craig Vietje: a retired US Army Lt. Colonel who served in Iraq and is now the Executive Director of Colorado Veterans and Military Affairs.
- Larry Vietje: a retired principal and school administrator from Southern Oregon.
- Jed Vietje: a professional cyclist and four-time overall winner of the Cascade Cycling Classic.
- Mark Vietje: a professional woodworker and artist who is known for his precision hand-crafted work.
- Jason Vietje: a professional surfer and contest competitor who is sponsored by Quiksilver.
- Doug Vietje: a senior administrator at the University of Denver and an expert in the field of higher education and college administration.
- Ernest Vietje: a professional fisherman and charter boat captain in Port Orchard, Washington.
- Sandy Vietje: a retired Army medic who now works as a volunteer coordinator and advocate for the Veterans Administration.