What is the origin of the last name Van-kemenade?

The surname Van Kemenade originates from the Netherlands and is a variation of the original German name "von dem Kammen." The name translates to "from the cloak," referring to a person who either made or sold such items. Over time, the name evolved into its current form in the Dutch-speaking regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Van-kemenade

The meaning and origin of the last name Van-kemenade

The surname Van Kemenade is a Dutch toponymic name, derived from a place name. The root "kemen" or "keme" means "lime" or "chalk" in Old Dutch, while "-ade" is a common suffix denoting a farmstead or village. The complete name likely originated from a location named Kemen or similar, which was likely located near a limestone deposit. Over time, the name evolved to Van Kemenade, with "van" being a Dutch prefix meaning "of," indicating that the original bearer of this surname may have lived at such a place. The name is particularly prevalent in the Netherlands and Belgium, reflecting the region's history and settlement patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Van-kemenade

The surname Van Kemenade is predominantly found in the Netherlands, with a significant concentration in the province of North Holland, specifically in the cities of Amsterdam and Haarlem. It originates from the medieval Dutch term "heim" or "hem," meaning a small piece of arable land, and "keman," which means a servant or tenant farmer. The name is often associated with individuals who lived on these small plots of land. Outside of the Netherlands, occurrences of Van Kemenade can be found in other Dutch-speaking regions, such as Flanders and Brabant in Belgium, due to historical migrations and settlements. In the global context, the distribution remains heavily skewed towards these areas, reflecting the name's Dutch origins.

Variants and spellings of the last name Van-kemenade

The surname Van Kemenade has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time and across regions. Here are some common variations:

1. Van Kemade
2. Van Kemaden
3. Van Kemadey
4. Van Keman
5. Van Kemann
6. Van Kemant
7. Van Kemming
8. De Kemenade
9. Van den Kemenade

It's essential to note that these variations may have different frequencies depending on the country or region, with some being more common in one place than another. Additionally, individuals might also use abbreviated versions such as van K. or vankem for informal contexts.

Famous people with the last name Van-kemenade

Jaap Kwadijk van Kempenade (born 1948), a Dutch former sailor, is one of the most notable individuals bearing the surname Van Kempenade. He won the gold medal for the Soling class at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. Another well-known figure with this last name is Marjolein van Kempenade (born 1980), a Dutch politician who has been serving as a member of the House of Representatives since 2017, representing the GroenLinks political party. Lastly, Annette van Kempenaer (born 1967), a Dutch artist, is recognized for her installation and performance works that often focus on the human body and its relation to space. Her work has been exhibited internationally. These individuals demonstrate the diverse talents and achievements of those with the surname Van Kempenade across various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Van-kemenade

The surname Van Kemenade originates from the Netherlands and is derived from the occupational name "kamenmaker" or "stonelayer," referring to someone who laid paving stones, specifically cobblestones. The name's earliest known appearance in records dates back to the 13th century in Friesland, a province in the northeastern Netherlands. Over time, various spelling variations of Van Kemenade have emerged due to differences in transcription and translation, including Van Camenade, Van Kamman, and Van Kemnaat. The family spread throughout the Netherlands during the Middle Ages and migrated to other countries, particularly Belgium and North America, during the 17th and 18th centuries as a result of religious persecution and economic opportunities.

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