Last Name Derksen

The surname Derksen is of Dutch and German origin. It is derived from a personal name composed of the elements "Diederik" or "Theodoric," both meaning "ruler of the people," combined with the diminutive suffix "-sen." Over time, it has been spelled variously as Dirkse, Dirks, Derk, and Derksen. The surname is most common in the Netherlands and Germany but can also be found in other countries due to migration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Derksen

The meaning and origin of the last name Derksen

The surname Derksen is of Dutch origin, derived from the given name Dirk, which means "lord" or "master" in Old Norse. The name has been popular in the Netherlands since medieval times and was often used as a baptismal name for boys. Over the centuries, the name has undergone various spellings due to regional dialects and transcription errors, with Derksen being one of its variants. As people migrated from the Netherlands, the surname Derksen spread to other countries, particularly in North America, where it remains a relatively common name among Dutch descendants. Today, individuals with the surname Derksen can be found in various parts of the world, reflecting its long and rich history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Derksen

The surname Derksen is predominantly of Dutch origin and has its highest concentration within the Netherlands, particularly in the northern provinces such as Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe. It's also found in significant numbers in the neighboring country of Germany, primarily in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. Beyond Europe, descendants of Dutch immigrants have spread the name to various parts of North America, with notable concentrations in Canada (primarily in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario) and the United States (particularly in Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington state). In Australia, the surname Derksen is predominantly found in New South Wales and Queensland due to Dutch immigration during the 19th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Derksen

The surname Derksen has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variants include: Dersken, Derksenne, Derksun, DeRKsen, Terkson, Terkeson, and Teirksen. These variations may arise from slight phonetic changes, misspellings, or intentional alterations for personal or cultural reasons. It's important to note that the correct spelling of a name can often be subjective and dependent on individual preference or family tradition.

Famous people with the last name Derksen

Notable individuals with the surname Derksen include:

1. Elena Derksen - A Canadian former alpine skier who competed at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. She won two bronze medals in the team event and Super-G during her career.

2. Joey Marn Eldridge Derksen - A Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 12th overall by the Jets in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.

3. Johannes Derksen - A Dutch former professional road bicycle racer, who rode professionally between 2004 and 2016 for teams such as Rabobank and Giant-Shimano. He is a five-time Dutch national champion.

4. Joris Derksen - A Dutch retired professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He played for various clubs in the Netherlands, including PSV Eindhoven and NAC Breda.

Genealogical research on the last name Derksen

The Derksen surname originates from the Low German dialect and is a variant of the name Dirkson, derived from the personal name Dirk (a short form of Theodoric). The family is believed to have origins in the Rhineland region of Germany and migrated to the Netherlands during the Middle Ages. The Derksens, also known as the "Dirksz-families," were prominent in various Dutch provinces including Friesland, Groningen, and Overijssel.

In the 16th century, many Derksen families migrated to the Russian Empire, particularly to the Volga German colonies, seeking better economic opportunities. Some branches of the family later moved to Ukraine and Belarus. In the 1870s, a significant number of Derksens emigrated to North America, with large communities settling in Canada and the United States, primarily in Manitoba, British Columbia, Ontario, and the Midwestern states like Kansas, Minnesota, and South Dakota.

The Mennonite faith played a significant role in the history and migration patterns of many Derksen families, as the denomination emphasized pacifism, hard work, and religious freedom, which were often sought in the new lands to which they traveled.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Derksen"
• 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