Last Name Feike

The surname Feike is of Dutch origin. It is a diminutive form of the given name Piet (Peter) and is derived from the pet form 'Pietje', which means "little Peter" in Dutch. This surname has been commonly found among Dutch-speaking populations, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Feike

The meaning and origin of the last name Feike

The surname Feike is of Dutch origin, derived from the given name Piet (a diminutive of Peter). It is a patronymic name that originally indicated a son or descendant of a man named Piet. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have slightly evolved, leading to variations such as Feijke, Feeke, and Veike. The name Feike is relatively uncommon outside of the Netherlands but holds significant cultural significance within the Dutch community. It reflects the country's tradition of using personal names as surnames.

Geographical distribution of the last name Feike

The surname Feike is predominantly found in the Netherlands, where it originated. Its distribution is concentrated primarily in the provinces of North Holland and South Holland, which are located in the western part of the country. These provinces are historically known for their maritime and agricultural traditions, factors that may have influenced the emergence of the surname Feike within their communities. Although not as prevalent outside of the Netherlands, there have been records of individuals with this last name in other European countries such as Belgium, Germany, and France, due to migration over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Feike

The surname Feike has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these include Feyke, Feik, Feeke, Fijke, and Veeke. These variations may be found in different parts of the world, with Feeke being more common in the United States, while other forms are prevalent in countries like the Netherlands or Belgium. It's important to note that these variations can have slightly different pronunciations but retain the same root origin.

Famous people with the last name Feike

Notable individuals with the surname Feike include:

1. Jan Feike Boesman (born 1962), a Dutch politician who served as a member of the Senate from 2011 to 2015, representing the Christian Democratic Appeal party.

2. Feike Sijbesma (born 1957), a Dutch business executive and former CEO of Royal DSM, a global science-based company active in health, nutrition, and materials. He served as the CEO from 2007 to 2020.

3. Cornelis Feike de Jong (1889–1956), a Dutch painter known for his figurative works, including landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. His work is held in several museum collections, such as the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, whether it be politics, business, or art. Their accomplishments reflect a diverse range of talents and interests within the Feike family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Feike

The surname Feike is of Dutch origin and is believed to have been derived from the medieval given name Pieter, a diminutive form of the name Peter, which means "rock" in Greek. The name became a surname during the late Middle Ages as a way to distinguish individuals with the same first name.

In Holland, Feike was initially recorded as a variation of Pieters or Pietersz and later evolved into its modern form. Early records show that the name was prevalent in the provinces of North Holland and Utrecht, where the earliest known bearer of the name, Gijsbert Feike, lived around 1600.

Throughout the centuries, variations in spelling have emerged due to differences in regional pronunciation and recording methods, including Feyke, Veek, Veeck, and Veike. The name has since spread across Europe and North America, with notable Feikes in history such as artist Hermanus Johannes Feike (1865-1924), a Dutch painter who worked in the Hague School style, and William J. Feike (1870-1939), an American physician known for his work on tuberculosis and cancer research.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Feike"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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