Surname Vreeland - Meaning and Origin
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Vreeland: What does the surname Vreeland mean?
Vreeland is a Dutch surname derived from a place name in the Netherlands. In Dutch, "Vree" translates to "free" and "land" obviously refers to land. Thus, one interpretation could be "free land." However, it is more probable that it refers specifically to the town of Vreeland in the Netherlands, indicating that a person's ancestors were connected to that area. Like many surnames originating from Europe, it likely began as a means of identifying individuals based on their geographic location. The name became popular among Dutch immigrants in the United States. Some well-known people with the surname Vreeland include Diana Vreeland, a notable fashion editor, and Michael Vreeland, a U.S. politician.
Order DNA origin analysisVreeland: Where does the name Vreeland come from?
The surname Vreeland is of Dutch origin. It's derived from 'Vrijland,' which roughly translates to 'free land.' The name first began to be used in the Dutch province of Friesland. It was often given to landlords or property owners during the Middle Ages. The family that bore this surname was historically involved in agriculture and held a family seat in Friesland.
Today, the name Vreeland isn't very common anywhere in the world. However, it's seen more frequently in the United States than other parts of the world, this is due to Dutch migration in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is important to note that within the US, it is especially prevalent in the states of New York and New Jersey due to the concentration of Dutch immigrants in these areas. The name is also somewhat common in the Netherlands, where it was first originated. Figures such as Diana Vreeland, a noted columnist and editor in the field of fashion, have helped bring more recognition to the name.
Variations of the surname Vreeland
The surname Vreeland is of Dutch origin, with its first known use reported in the Netherlands. It is believed to be a topographic name for someone who lived in a fen or marshy area. The name Vreeland is derived from two Dutch words: "Vrij," which means "free," and "Land," which translates to "land."
Different variations and spellings of the surname Vreeland that may be found include Vreland, Vree, VreeLandt, Van Vreeland, and Vrelyn. Also, due to immigration and the influence of other languages, it may also be found as Freeland, Freelend, Freelin, Vreelend, or Freelant in English-speaking countries where the pronunciation may have altered the spelling.
Assimilation of names via emigration has often led to Vreeland being anglicized into similar sounding names with conventional English spellings, making it more comfortable for English speakers to pronounce and spell. However, every spelling variant relates back to the same Dutch origin.
Surnames relating to Vreeland through direct lineage or marriage may also include Van Ness, Westervelt, Spier, or Van Buskirk, all of which are common Dutch names.
Please note, lineage and name variations can greatly differ based on region and family choices, so variations could be broader than this specific listing.
Famous people with the name Vreeland
- Diana Vreeland: A well-renowned fashion editor, widely known for her stints at Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue.
- Frecky Vreeland: A notable figure from the Vreeland family, known for his contributions as a former American football player.
- Alexander Vreeland: Grandson of Diana Vreeland, he is known for his involvement in the fashion industry as well as the production of the documentary "Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel".
- Tim Vreeland: A recognized English cricketer.
- Reed Vreeland: An American human rights defender and political activist noted for his work on HIV/AIDS issues.
- Victoria Vreeland: A notable employment and labor law attorney from the United States. These are some of the notable individuals who share the last name Vreeland. The most influential among them is Diana Vreeland, who left an indelible imprint on the fashion world with her innovative creativity and flamboyant personality.