What is the origin of the last name Teerlinck?

The surname Teerlinck is of Belgian origin, specifically from the Flemish region. It is derived from a location named Ter Linde, which means "the new clearing among lime trees" in Dutch. The name likely evolved over time, with variations including Tierlinck, Terlincx, and Terlincq, among others. The name's origins can be traced back to the medieval period when people often took their occupations or place of residence as their surnames.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Teerlinck

The meaning and origin of the last name Teerlinck

The surname Teerlinck is of Belgian origin, specifically from the Flemish region of Belgium. It is derived from a topographical name, indicating that it was originally given to someone who lived near a lime kiln or quarry. The name "Teerlinck" can be translated as "lime-link" in Dutch, with "teer" meaning lime and "linck" possibly being a shortened form of "link," which means link in this context. It is believed that the name may have originated from various locations throughout Flanders where lime production was significant. Over time, many families bearing the Teerlinck surname migrated to other parts of Europe and even to North America, contributing to its global distribution today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Teerlinck

Teerlinck is a Belgian surname primarily concentrated in the Flemish region, particularly in the provinces of West Flanders and East Flanders. According to data from the Belgium's Federal Public Service for the Economy, the surname is ranked within the top 500 most common family names in the country. The majority of Teerlincks reside in the coastal cities such as Bruges, Ostend, and Ghent, reflecting their historical roots in these areas. In addition, smaller populations can be found in other Dutch-speaking regions like the Netherlands and Suriname due to migration events over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Teerlinck

The surname Teerlinck has several variations and spellings due to historical and geographical influences. Some common spelling variations include Tierlinck, Teirlinck, Terlincx, and Terlincq. These variations may arise from differences in regional pronunciation or transcription errors during migration or data entry. The name is of Belgian origin and is derived from the Old French word "terrain" meaning "land" or "ground", likely indicating someone who lived on a specific piece of land. The name Teerlinck is most commonly found in Belgium and its diaspora communities, particularly in North America.

Famous people with the last name Teerlinck

Among the notable individuals bearing the surname Teerlinck are:

1. Albert Teerlinck (1872-1922), a Belgian playwright and poet who was one of the most important figures in the literary movement Les XX, known for his Symbolist works.

2. Auguste Teerlinck (1853-1924), a Flemish philosopher and writer, recognized as an influential figure in the Belgian Renaissance of Flemish literature. He was also a prominent professor at Ghent University.

3. Dimitri Teerlinck (born 1976), a Belgian football player who played as a forward for clubs like Anderlecht, Standard Liège, and Westerlo, and represented the Belgium national team in several international tournaments.

4. Jos Teerlinck (1923-2015), a Flemish cartoonist and illustrator known for his collaboration with the Dutch magazine Donald Duck and its Flemish counterpart Kramik van Kapitein Storpel.

Genealogical research on the last name Teerlinck

The Teerlinck surname originates from Flanders, Belgium and is derived from the occupation of a tiler or roofer. Variations of this name include Teirlinck, Tirlick, Terlinden, Tierlindt, and Terlincq. The name Teerlinck can be traced back to the 13th century, with the first recorded instance being Jan Teerlinck in a document from Flanders in 1258. Throughout history, the family expanded throughout Belgium and migrated to other countries, such as the Netherlands, France, and the United States, particularly to the Midwest states like Illinois, Michigan, and Iowa. Notable individuals with this surname include the Belgian painter Fernand Khnopff, who was known for his symbolist works, and the American football coach Bud Teerlinck. The Teerlinck family has a rich history, with roots deeply entrenched in Flemish culture, and has produced many notable individuals across various professions.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names