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Last Name Van-der-kallen

What is the origin of the last name Van-der-kallen?

The surname "van der Kallen" is a Dutch and Flemish patronymic name, derived from the given name "Klaas" or "Nicolas," which has been diminutivized to "Klaasje" or "Nickel" and then added the prefix "van" (meaning "of" or "from") to indicate a relationship with that person. The suffix "-der" is used to indicate a place of origin, in this case likely referring to a location where someone named Klaas or Nickel lived. The term "kallen" is derived from the Middle Dutch word "kale," meaning bald or bare, potentially indicating a nickname for a man with a distinctive physical feature. This surname's specific origin can be traced back to particular towns or regions in the Netherlands or Flanders, but it is difficult to pinpoint an exact location without additional information about the individual bearing the name.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Van-der-kallen

The meaning and origin of the last name Van-der-kallen

The surname "van der Kallen" is a Dutch toponymic name, derived from a specific place or region, indicating that an individual originally hailed from a location named "Kallen." The prefix "van," meaning "of" or "from," is a common element in many Dutch and Belgian surnames, signifying that the bearer once resided near or owned property in that particular location. The term "Kallen" may refer to several places in the Netherlands, but one possible origin could be from Kallenberg, a village in the province of Gelderland. Over time, variations such as van der Caleyen, Van Caloen, and Van Calley also emerged due to minor spelling changes or regional dialects. The name has been recorded throughout Dutch-speaking history, with notable bearers including Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens, who was born Pieter Paulus van der Kelen in 1577.

Geographical distribution of the last name Van-der-kallen

The surname Van-der-Kallen has Dutch origins and is predominantly found in Belgium and the Netherlands. Historically, it's a toponymic name derived from places named with the elements "van" (of) and "der Kallen," a specific location now identified as Kollenhorst in the province of Groningen, Netherlands. Over time, the spelling has evolved due to various factors such as migration, transcription errors, and regional dialects. In recent times, due to Dutch immigration, the name can also be found among the Dutch diaspora in countries like the United States, South Africa, Australia, and Canada. However, it's important to note that the distribution can vary greatly depending on specific genealogical databases and historical records consulted.

Variants and spellings of the last name Van-der-kallen

The surname Van der Kallen has various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some of the possible versions:

1. Van der Kallen - This is the most common spelling, with "van" being a Dutch prefix meaning "of" or "from", "der" as a preposition denoting "the", and "Kallen" referring to a specific place or occupational name.

2. Van Derkallen - Another variation that follows the same structure, with a slight change in the ending of the second part of the surname.

3. Van der Koolen - This is a related Dutch surname that could have been changed due to phonetic or orthographic differences over time. It shares a similar meaning, with "Koolen" possibly being derived from a specific place or occupation.

4. Van De Kallen - This version includes an extra space between "van" and "De," which is not typical in Dutch names but could have arisen due to errors in transcription or translation.

5. Vanderkallen, Van derKallen, Van Derkall, Van Der Kallen, Van't Kallen - These variations might occur when the apostrophe or space is omitted or added inappropriately.

6. De Kallen - This could be a modern shortened form of the surname, with "de" serving as both a preposition and a Dutch definite article.

Famous people with the last name Van-der-kallen

Notable individuals with the surname Van der Kallen include:

1. Jan Hendrik van der Kallen (1726–1809), a Dutch botanist and mycologist who described over 50 fungal species. His work included studies on molds and truffles, contributing to the taxonomy of these organisms.

2. Frans van der Kallen (born 1943), a Dutch artist known for his large-scale public sculptures made from steel and stone. One of his most notable works is the "Living with Water" series, which explores human interaction with water in various cities around the world.

3. Peter van der Kallen (born 1948), a Dutch politician who served as State Secretary for Economic Affairs between 2017 and 2019. Prior to his political career, he worked in business, holding positions such as CEO of Ahold, a large international retail company.

4. Herman van der Kallen (born 1958), a Dutch author and illustrator who has written numerous children's books. His work often deals with nature and animals, reflecting his passion for the outdoors.

Genealogical research on the last name Van-der-kallen

The surname Van der Kallen originates from Belgium and the Netherlands, specifically from the Flemish region. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived near a small wood or copse, with "hout" meaning wood and "kale" meaning small in Dutch, hence "Van der Kalle" or "at the small wood". The surname has been recorded in various forms over the centuries due to scribal errors and regional variations. Notable bearers of this name include the Flemish painter Pieter van der Kellen (1565-1633), and the Dutch astronomer Jacobus Cornelius van der Kloot (1801-1863). The family is known to have been present in the Netherlands since at least the 14th century. The name can also be found in France, Germany, and the United States as a result of migration during the early modern period.

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 29 July 2025

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