Surname Backhuis - Meaning and Origin
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Backhuis: What does the surname Backhuis mean?
The last name Backhuis is a toponymic surname derived from the Dutch word 'achthuis', which translates to 'eighth house'. It was a common way to indicate a family’s origin and was subsequently adopted as a last name.
The Backhuis surname likely originated in an isolated farming village. These villages were made up of eight farms, all of which were owned and occupied by the same family. The eight-family arrangement still exists today, though the villages have grown. This arrangement is especially prevalent in the Dutch provinces of Limburg and Friesland.
The surname Backhuis has been found primarily in the Netherlands and in many of its former colonies, including the United States, Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand. It is likely that the origin of the surname lies in one of the Dutch settlements established during the colonial era.
Today, the name is still common in the Netherlands and is likely to be used in other countries as well. It is a well-known and beloved symbol of family heritage and reflects the strength and resilience of the Dutch family’s rich history.
Order DNA origin analysisBackhuis: Where does the name Backhuis come from?
The Backhuis surname is originally Dutch and is still primarily associated with the Netherlands. This is especially true in the northern regions of the Netherlands, such as Friesland and Groningen, where the surname is most widespread and where it is thought to have originated. Outside of the Netherlands, the Backhuis surname is to be found in countries traditionally settled by Dutch immigrants such as Australia, South Africa, Canada, and the United States. While more Backhus's have now spread around the world, Friesland remains the region with the highest concentration of the surname, suggesting that their earliest origin may have been there.
U.S. Census records also show that a relatively large number of Backhus's emigrated to the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The largest concentrations of Backhuis surnames today in the U.S. are spread around the Midwest and east coast regions, including Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York.
In Australia, Backhuis surnames can be found in all states and territories, with the majority of bearers living in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory.
For those with the Backhuis surname who aren’t Dutch, many will have ancestors who have carried their lineage all the way from the Netherlands to its current locations around the world.
Variations of the surname Backhuis
The surname Backhuis has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of the most common variants are Bakhuis, Bakhuys, Bakhuysen, Bakker, Bakboord, and Bakkerij.
The Dutch word “Backhuis” translates to “bakery” which was a common occupation in the days before industrialization. As such, the surname likely derives from a family that operated a bakery. The derivatives Bakboord, Bakker, and Bakkerij all have roots in the Dutch language. Bakker means “baker” and Bakkerij means “bakery.” These surnames indicated people who were bakers, either by trade or by occupation.
The other three variants, Bakhuis, Bakhuys, and Bakhuysen, all contain a derivative of the Dutch word “Hûs,” meaning “house.” This indicates that the original surname holder may have been a baker from a particular house. It is likely that these variants developed as surnames changed through immigration, transcription errors, or other such influences.
Today, the Bakker, Bakhuisen, and Backhuis surnames are still found across the Netherlands. It is also likely that the same family spread to other countries, such as the United States, in the days of colonization and immigration. As such, this surname can be found in other countries where Dutch immigrants settled.
Famous people with the name Backhuis
- Marijke Backhuis: Marijke Backhuis is a Dutch journalist and media entrepreneur. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Utrecht, and has more than 20 years of professional experience in media, journalism, communication and publishing.
- Maaike Backhuis: Maaike Backhuis is a Dutch fashion designer. She has been awarded the Dutch Grote Prijs voor Mode Design for her work in the fashion industry. She is also the founder of the fashion label 'Mente Backhuis'.
- Joost Backhuis: Joost Backhuis is a Dutch professional soccer player who currently plays for Jong FC Utrecht.
- Anton Backhuis: Anton Backhuis is a Dutch artist known for his diverse work in sculpture, painting, and photography.
- Bart Backhuis: Bart Backhuis is a Dutch entrepreneur and business executive. He is the founder and CEO of Backhuis Consulting, a consultancy firm focusing on corporate governance, leadership, and financial management.
- Geurts Backhuis: Geurts Backhuis is a Dutch professional golfer who has competed on the European Challenge Tour and European Tour.
- Nard Backhuis: Nard Backhuis is a Dutch graphic designer and art director. He has worked on high-profile projects and campaigns for global clients.
- Sten Backhuis: Sten Backhuis is a Dutch businessman who is the CEO of SUR Plus BV, a leading construction and engineering company.
- Theo Backhuis: Theo Backhuis is a Dutch professional basketball player who has played for professional teams in Europe and the United States.
- Wilco Backhuis: Wilco Backhuis is a Dutch entrepreneur and software engineer. He is the founder and CEO of UPEX, a software development company specializing in blockchain-based solutions.