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Last Name Van-der-plas

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

The surname "van der Plas" is of Dutch origin. The name consists of two parts: "van der," which is a common Dutch prefix meaning "of the" before a place or an occupational name, and "Plas," which is a toponymic name indicating that the original bearer was from a place called Plas in the Netherlands. It is worth noting that "Plas" can refer to several places in the country, but one of the most probable origins is from a village named Plas in North Brabant province. However, to confirm the exact origin, additional research may be necessary based on specific family records and historical documents.

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

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

The surname Van der Plas is of Dutch origin and translates to "of the basin" or "from the pool" in English. It is a topographic name, indicating that the original bearer lived near a pool or basin. This name likely originated from one of the numerous places in the Netherlands named 'Van der Plas', which are typically locations with a small body of water. The name has been spelled variously over the centuries due to differences in regional dialects and scribal interpretation, such as Van der Plaats or Van der Plaets. Over time, immigrant bearers of this surname have spread around the world, particularly to the United States and Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Van-der-plas

The surname Van der Plas is primarily distributed across the Netherlands and its diaspora communities, due to its Dutch origin. In the Netherlands, it is most common in North Brabant, Limburg, and Zeeland provinces, reflecting historical settlement patterns. The name also appears in Belgium, particularly in the Flemish region, given the close cultural ties between the two countries. Additionally, there are significant Van der Plas populations in various parts of the world due to Dutch immigration waves over the centuries, notably in North America, South Africa, and Australia. In North America, the highest concentrations are found in the United States and Canada, particularly in Ontario, Michigan, and New York.

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

The surname Van der Plas has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variations include Van Der Plas, Van der Plaas, Van der Plaat, Van der Plass, and Van d'er Plas. These variations are often influenced by specific dialects or phonetic interpretations of the original name. Additionally, some individuals may choose to Anglicize the surname, resulting in variants such as Vanderplas, Van der Pleas, and Van der Play. It is important to note that these different spellings all share the same etymology and origin, derived from the Dutch elements "van" (of), "der" (the), and "Plas" (pond or pool), indicating a geographical location named Plas in the original bearer's ancestral home.

Famous people with the last name Van-der-plas

Notable individuals bearing the surname Van der Plas include:

1. Eddie Van Halen (born Edward Lodewijk Van Halen), a Dutch-American musician, songwriter, and producer, best known as the lead guitarist for the rock band Van Halen.
2. Andy Van Der Plas, a Belgian-American heavy metal musician, best recognized as the keyboardist for the progressive metal band Fates Warning.
3. Jolien van der Plas, a Dutch actress who has starred in various films and television series, such as "Costa!", "Tempo", and "Dokter Tulpen".
4. Willem van der Plas, a Dutch physicist known for his work on the physics of the cosmic microwave background radiation. He was a member of the team that won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics for their discovery of gravitational waves.
5. Johan van der Plas, a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Willem II and the Netherlands national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Van-der-plas

The surname Van der Plas is believed to have originated from the Netherlands, specifically the province of Friesland, where it was first recorded around the 14th century. The name can be translated as "from the pool" or "at the pool," referring to a geographical location. It was initially spelled as 'Van de Plas' but over time evolved into Van der Plas due to common Dutch language phonetic changes.

Notable individuals with this surname include the Dutch actor Jan-Willem van der Plas, known for his roles in television shows such as 'Flodder' and 'Costa!', and Peter van der Plas, a physicist who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics.

The Van der Plas family is also associated with the city of Groningen, Netherlands, where many members lived and held prominent positions in various fields throughout history. The surname has since spread globally due to Dutch immigration waves, particularly during the 17th century (known as the Dutch Golden Age) and in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 30 July 2025

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