Last Name Beukema

The surname Beukema is of Dutch origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically a small town called "Beek en Donk" located in the Netherlands. The name "Beek" means "brook" or "stream" in Dutch, and "Donk" refers to a hill or elevated area. Over time, individuals living near this location adopted the name as their own when they moved elsewhere or had children who carried the surname. This pattern of surnames originating from place names is common in many European countries, particularly in the Netherlands.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Beukema

The meaning and origin of the last name Beukema

The surname Beukema is of Dutch origin and is derived from a topographical name for someone who lived near a beech tree or grove. The word "beuk" means beech tree in Dutch, and the suffix "-ema" is a common Dutch diminutive suffix, often used to denote smallness or insignificance. It is possible that the name originally referred to a specific beech tree or group of beech trees that served as a landmark for the original bearer of this surname. Over time, the name spread from the Netherlands to other parts of Europe and eventually to North America with Dutch immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Beukema

The surname Beukema has its origins in the Netherlands, specifically from the province of Overijssel and neighboring regions like Drenthe and Friesland. The name is derived from the Old Dutch word "beukenbroek," which means beech marsh or clearing. Due to Dutch colonial activities and migration waves, descendants bearing the name Beukema can also be found in various diaspora communities, particularly in countries such as South Africa, Canada, Australia, and the United States. In South Africa, for instance, the name has a significant presence among Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch colonizers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Beukema

The surname Beukema has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these variations include: Buikema, Buijckema, Buijkemas, Buijkema, Buykema, Bueikema, Bujikema, Bukema, and Bukjema. These alterations may arise from factors such as regional dialects, errors in record keeping, or the influence of other languages. The original Dutch root of the name is likely "boekema" which translates to "bookmaker" or "bookseller." This surname, while relatively rare, can be found primarily among the Dutch population, but its variations may also appear among populations with Dutch ancestry in other countries.

Famous people with the last name Beukema

The Beukema family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Marinus Adrianus "Marc" Beukema, a Dutch physicist who made significant contributions to the field of quantum optics and was awarded the Spinoza Prize, the highest Dutch research award, in 1995. In the world of sports, you might know Johan Beukema, a Dutch footballer who played for clubs like Ajax and Feyenoord, and represented the Netherlands national team during the 1960s and 1970s. In the realm of literature, Marion Dane Bianco (born Beukema), a Canadian author, is known for her children's books. Lastly, Hank Beukema, a Dutch graphic designer, is recognized for his work in typography and was awarded the Gerrit Noordzij Prijs in 2013 for his contributions to the field. These individuals demonstrate the diverse accomplishments of those bearing the last name Beukema.

Genealogical research on the last name Beukema

The surname Beukema is of Dutch origin, derived from the word "beuk" meaning beech tree and "-ema", a common diminutive suffix in Dutch names. The name has been recorded in various forms such as Beukman, Beukema, Bekema, and Buikema throughout history.

The earliest known mention of the surname Beukema is in the Netherlands in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. As a result of emigration waves from the Netherlands, the name spread to other countries like South Africa, Canada, Australia, and the United States, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries.

In the United States, the Beukema family is most concentrated in states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa, with the majority of descendants tracing their roots back to a common ancestor, Pieter Beukema, who emigrated from the Netherlands to Michigan in the mid-19th century. In South Africa, the name can be traced back to Hendrik Beukema, who arrived in Cape Town in the late 1700s.

Research into the genealogy of the Beukema family is ongoing, with many family trees and ancestral histories available online through various genealogical resources. Genealogists and researchers continue to explore and document the historical migration patterns, occupations, and significant events in the lives of people bearing the Beukema surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Beukema"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends