Surname Boltjes - Meaning and Origin

Boltjes: What does the surname Boltjes mean?

The surname Boltjes is of Dutch origin. It is a patronymic surname, created from the given name “Bolte”. The name Boltjes likely referred to someone who was the son of Bolte. Similar phonetically spelled variations of the name include Boltus, Bolteus and Bulte.

Bolte is derived from the Old German name Bolte, meaning “fortified tower” or “fortress”. Consequently, the surname Boltjes literally translates to “son of the fortified tower”. Historically, the Boltjes surname was most common in the Netherlands, however, the surname is still commonly found in other European countries.

The Boltjes family is believed to have been a prominent and important noble family in the Netherlands. A 13th century document lists a knight named Gozewyn Boltus, who was a part of the Count of Limburg’s court. As Bolte was a name commonly found in the Dutch Royal family, this ancient document could suggest that the Boltjes family also may have had a noble past.

The Boltjes family may have been amongst the earliest settlers in the Dutch region of South Holland. It is believed that members of the family later became merchants and sea captains. Due to their adventurous lifestyle, members of the Boltjes family immigrated to other countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States by the 19th century.

To this day, the Boltjes surname continues to live through descendants of this esteemed family. There are many people who proudly bear the Boltjes name, carrying its long history and legacy with them wherever life takes them.

Boltjes: Where does the name Boltjes come from?

The last name Boltjes is a very uncommon name in modern times, however, small pockets of the last name are found throughout Europe and North America.

In Europe, the last name is mainly found in the Netherlands and Germany. In the Netherlands, Boltjes is most common in the province of Drenthe, where it is the 352nd most common last name. In Germany, Boltjes is most common in the state of Hesse, where it is the 1623rd most common last name.

In North America, the last name is found mainly in Canada and the United States. In Canada, Boltjes is most common in the province of Ontario where it is the 1575th most common last name. In the Unites States, Boltjes is most common in the state of California where it is the 7480th most common last name.

Overall, the last name Boltjes is quite rare, however, there are still small pockets of the last name scattered across Europe and North America.

Variations of the surname Boltjes

The surname Boltjes has several different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.

The most common variants of the surname include Boltjes, Boltje, Boltzen, Boltz, Bolz, and Bolts. Other less common variants include Bolzius, Bolzmann, Bolssen, Bollen, and Bollenweg.

Spellings of the surname can vary somewhat as well. These can include Bolte, Bols, Boltens, Bohlz, Boltez, Boltsmann, Bolst, Boltt, Polst, and Boltez.

The German language also has several surnames with a similar sound and origin. These can include Bolchen, Bolmer, Bolzem, and Bollmer.

In addition, Boltjes can also have patronymic or matronymic derivative surnames, which were historically formed by adding “son” or “datter” to the name of a person’s father or mother. These may include Boltjesen, Boltjesdatter, and Boltjessen.

Given the various potential spelling and variant variations of the surname Boltjes, it is important to bear in mind that it can sometimes be difficult to discover which variation is the ancestral name for a particular individual when researching into ancestral surnames.

Famous people with the name Boltjes

• Annalie Boltjes: Annalie Boltjes is a Dutch sprinter and long jumper, who competed in the 2018 European Athletics Championships. She specializes in the triple jump and heptathlon.
• Micheal Boltjes: Micheal Boltjes is an American track and field athlete who specializes in the 200 meters, 400 meters, and relay events. He is a four-time All-American and a NCAA Champion in the 200-meter dash.
• Ralf Boltjes: Ralf Boltjes is a German rower who competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and has represented Germany in numerous international rowing competitions.
• Aurélien Boltjes: A French decathlete, Aurélien Boltjes has represented France at the 2009 and 2011 IAAF World Championships in Athletics.
• Kelly Boltjes: Kelly Boltjes is a Dutch pole vaulter who has represented the Netherlands in international competitions. She is best known for her bronze medal at the 2003 European Cup in Turin, Italy.
• Johan Boltjes: Johan Boltjes is a Dutch long jumper who has competed at the international level. He represented the Netherlands at the 2001 World Championships in Athletics and the 2002 European Athletics Championships.
• Ngugi Boltjes: Ngugi Boltjes is a Kenyan long-distance runner who competes in events ranging from the 5000m to the marathon. He competed in the 2009 World Championships in Athletics and the 2010 World Cross Country Championships.
• David Boltjes: David Boltjes is a Dutch politician and former professional basketball player who played in the Dutch Basketball League and the EuroChallenge. He is currently a member of Dutch Parliament for the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy.

Other surnames

BoltjeBöltje