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Last Name Koolen

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What is the origin of the last name Koolen?

The surname Koolen is of Dutch origin. It derives from a topographic name for someone who lived by a cool or shady place, from Middle Dutch "kouwe" meaning 'cold', and "hout" meaning 'wood'. This name was first found in the province of Overijssel where the name is associated with Koolen-Vuilhuizen, a municipality in the north-east Netherlands. Variations in spelling include Coolen, Coolen, Koelen, Kolijn, and Kolman.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Koolen

The surname Koolen is of Dutch origin, derived from a geographical or topographical name. The word "kool" in Dutch means "cabbage" or "coal," and "hoek" means "corner." Thus, the name Koolen likely originated as a reference to someone who lived near a field where cabbages were grown, or possibly near a coal mine or a corner location. Over time, the name has been adopted by people in other countries with Dutch heritage, such as Belgium and Germany. Today, the surname Koolen is most commonly found in the Netherlands and its diaspora communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Koolen

The surname Koolen is predominantly found in the Netherlands and Belgium, with significant concentrations in the western and northern provinces of the Netherlands, particularly in regions such as Zeeland, Noord-Brabant, and Friesland. Its origins can be traced back to the medieval period, where it was a topographic name for someone who lived by a cold stream or a place named 'Kool' (meaning 'cold' in Dutch). In recent times, due to immigration and diaspora, Koolen has also appeared in other parts of Europe, North America, Australia, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Koolen

The surname Koolen has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these variations include Coolen, Coolen, Koelen, Kuijlen, Kuylen, Kulen, and Kolan. These variations may arise from regional dialects, errors in record keeping, or intentional changes for personal reasons. The original Dutch name likely comes from the word "koel" meaning cold or cool. The name is most common in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is also found among Dutch descendants in countries such as the United States, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.

Famous people with the last name Koolen

The Koolen family is notable for producing several prominent figures across various fields. One of the most well-known members is Guus Koolen, a Dutch entrepreneur and investor who co-founded Booking.com, a leading online travel agency. Another significant figure is Jan Koolen, the former CEO of Unilever Bestfoods Europe from 2003 to 2006. In the world of sports, Danny Koolen is a renowned Dutch former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Ajax and Feyenoord. In the realm of academia, Marjolein van den Brink-Koolen is an esteemed professor at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. Lastly, Gert Koolen, born in 1968, is a Dutch politician serving as a member of the European Parliament for the Party for Freedom since 2014. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and contributions made by people with the last name Koolen.

Genealogical research on the last name Koolen

The surname Koolen originates from the Netherlands and is derived from various locations named Koolen or Koole, found primarily in the provinces of Overijssel, Gelderland, and Friesland. The name is thought to have been either a topographic name for someone who lived near a cold spring or a habitational name for someone from one of the several places named with this element. One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Koolen can be found in the 15th century, with Jan Koolen documented in Overijssel in 1420. The Koolen family lineage expanded through Europe, particularly to Germany and North America, due to migration waves during the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable individuals bearing the surname Koolen include Dutch singer Marco Borsato and Canadian ice hockey player Carel Koolen.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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