Last Name Sloter

The surname Sloter is of Dutch origin. It is derived from a topographical name for someone who lived by a slate quarry or near a small slope, as "slot" in Dutch means 'quarry' or 'slope'. This name was originally a nickname, and it may have been used to denote someone who worked at such a quarry. The surname Sloter is found primarily among the Dutch population, but has also spread due to migration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sloter

The meaning and origin of the last name Sloter

The surname Sloter is of Dutch origin, derived from a geographical location or occupation. The name is believed to have originated from the town "Sloterwijck" near Amsterdam, which was first documented in the 13th century. Initially, it referred to a fortified farmstead, and later, it evolved into a residential area within modern-day Amsterdam. Over time, residents of this area began using Sloter as their surname. The spelling may have evolved over centuries and across languages, with variations such as Sloterus, Sloters, and Slötter appearing in different records.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sloter

The surname Sloter is predominantly found in the Netherlands, particularly in the provinces of North Holland and Friesland, where it originated. It is believed to have derived from the Old Dutch word "slot," meaning 'lock' or 'bolt,' likely referencing a occupation or a place name. Over time, emigration from the Netherlands led to its spread, with significant populations now residing in various parts of North America, specifically the United States and Canada. Smaller communities can also be found in countries such as South Africa and Australia, reflecting the global migration patterns of Dutch settlers throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sloter

The surname Sloter has various spelling variants, including Slotter, Slater, Sloeter, and possibly others due to differences in transcription over time or regional dialects. These variations are predominantly found among individuals with Dutch ancestry as the name is originally derived from the Dutch word "slot," meaning 'lock' or 'bolt,' reflecting a profession associated with forging locks or perhaps a topographic name for someone who lived near a lock or gate. However, it is important to note that these spelling variations may also occur due to factors such as migration and assimilation into different cultures, which can further alter the spelling of names over time.

Famous people with the last name Sloter

Notable individuals with the surname Sloter include:

1. Willem Sloter (born 1986), a Dutch footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various teams, including Feyenoord and ADO Den Haag.
2. Jan Sloter (born 1950), a Dutch mathematician known for his work in computer science and algebraic geometry. He is a professor emeritus at the University of Amsterdam.
3. Rutger Sloter (1897-1945), a Dutch resistance fighter during World War II, who was executed by the Nazis for his activities against them. He is remembered as a hero in the Netherlands.
4. Jeroen Sloter (born 1965), a Dutch politician who has served as a member of the Senate and the House of Representatives for various political parties.
5. Ingrid Slotboom-Sloter (born 1957), a Dutch historian and university professor, specializing in Middle Eastern history and Islamic studies. She is currently a full professor at Leiden University.

Genealogical research on the last name Sloter

The Sloter surname originates from the Netherlands and is derived from various places named Sloten, found in North Holland and South Holland provinces. The name Sloter is an occupational or topographical name for someone who lived near a fortified farmstead (Slot) or resided in one of the several settlements named Sloten. The earliest records of the Sloter family can be traced back to the 14th century in the Netherlands. Many Sloters emigrated from the Netherlands to various parts of the world, including North America and Australia, during the 17th and 18th centuries due to religious persecution and economic hardship. Today, the Sloter surname can be found worldwide, with significant populations in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Notable individuals with the Sloter surname include Dutch ice hockey player Sander Slotemaker and Australian rules footballer Mark Sloter.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Sloter"
• 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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