Surname Verheij - Meaning and Origin
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Verheij: What does the surname Verheij mean?
Verheij is a Dutch patronymic surname derived from the name “Vreheij,” which is a shortened form of “Voorheen,” a Dutch term meaning “formerly” or “previous.” The name was adopted by families who had changed their name or land holdings from one generation to the next. Alternatively, the name is of German origin, derived from the surname “Verheyen,” meaning “oak” or “an oak forest.”
Verheij is relatively common in the Netherlands, particularly in the province of Friesland. Place name variants of Verheij include Voorheide, Voorheyde, and Voorheijden. Several notable people have carried the surname over the years, including Dutch writer and poet Huub Verheij, 19th-century Dutch physician Frederik Verheij, and Dutch linguist Gerard Verheij.
Verheij is a name that is often associated with intelligence, commitment, loyalty, and responsibility. Many of the people who bear the name are known for their dedication to their work and an unyielding sense of duty. The Dutch name Verheij carries weight and is associated with families that carry these qualities and respect its long history.
Order DNA origin analysisVerheij: Where does the name Verheij come from?
The last name Verheij is a relatively common surname in the Netherlands, where it originates. It is estimated that nearly 13,000 people across Holland carry the name, with concentrations in the regions of Friesland, Gelderland, and North Holland. It is also present in Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, including the cities of Cologne and Berlin.
In the United States, the name Verheij is less common, but it does appear in several states. This includes large urban centers like New York City and Los Angeles, as well as states in the Midwest and the West Coast such as Colorado, Oregon, and Washington State. In recent years, the name has become more widely represented in states along the East Coast, such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
Further abroad, Verheij can be found in English-speaking countries such as Australia and New Zealand, and in parts of Africa, including South Africa and Ghana. The surname has also made an appearance in Central and South America, with a presence in Mexico and Ecuador.
While it is not as widespread as some other names, the last name Verheij has certainly spread its roots around the world, something the original Verheijs would surely be proud of.
Variations of the surname Verheij
The surname Verheij is a variant of the Dutch origin, which is derived from the old Dutch terms "ver" meaning a "bird" and "heide" meaning "heather." It is pronounced "FAIR-high." The variants, spelling and surnames of Verheij are:
Verhey, Verhay, Verheyde, Verheyen, Verhij, Verhijden, Verhijen, Verhijs, Verhuijsen, Verhuijsse, Verhoijsen, Verheij, Verheijde, Verheijen, Verheijs, Verheussen, Verheusel, Verheyde, Verhoij, Verhoijsen, Verhoijsse, Verhoeij, Verhoeijen, Verhey, Verheyen, Verheyse, Verheyssen.
Verheij is often confused with the surnames Verhoeij and Verhey. These surnames are common Dutch variants that are closely related to Verheij. The difference between the three is that Verhoeij usually has a longer "O" sound when pronounced and Verhey is slightly anglicized.
Verheij is also used as a surname in other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, South Africa, and the Netherlands. Surnames often change due to immigration and cultural influences. In the United States Verheij may be changed to Verhey, Verhay or Verheey, while Verheijse may be changed to Verhays or Verhayse. In South Africa, Verheij may become Verhey, Verhaw or Verha. In Canada, Verheij may be changed to Verhey, Verhay or Verheyse.
Verheij and its variants are not common surnames, but many of its variants can be found among Dutch and other European immigrants who settled overseas. The variants are most typically used as first and last names, but in some parts of Europe, it is also used as a part of place names and as a given name.
Famous people with the name Verheij
- Mark Verheij: Dutch former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.
- Peter Verheij: Dutch retired professional footballer who played as a defender.
- Givano Verheij: Dutch professional footballer who plays as a forward.
- Tjeerd Verheij: Dutch professional footballer who plays as a left back.
- Jeroen Verheij: Dutch professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper.
- Giny Verheij: Dutch professional tennis player who competed on the ITF Women’s Circuit.
- Lotte Verheij: Dutch professional tennis player.
- Marieke Verheij: Dutch professional rower who competed in the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics.
- Mees Verheij: Dutch former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.
- Erwin Verheij: Dutch professional racing cyclist who won the National Road Race Championship in 2000.