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Last Name Van-schendel

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

The surname "van Schendel" is a Dutch patronymic surname. The name is derived from the given name "Schendel," which is a medieval diminutive of "Schaap," meaning sheep or lamb in Dutch. The "van" part indicates that the person was a descendant of someone named Schendel. The exact origin of the name isn't known, but it likely originated in the Netherlands during the Middle Ages as a way to differentiate between people living in the same village or region. Over time, the name has been spelled differently due to various factors such as regional dialects and transcription errors.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name Van-schendel

The surname Van Schendel is of Dutch origin, derived from a place name or an occupational title. The word "Van" in Dutch means "of" or "from," indicating that the initial part of the surname likely refers to a specific location. "Schendel" could be a topographic name for someone who lived by a marshy area called a schelde or schelde, or it could potentially be an occupational name for a mason, as "schelten" in Dutch means to plaster. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of this surname have evolved due to factors such as regional dialects and migration. Today, the Van Schendel family name is found predominantly among descendants of Dutch immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Van-schendel

The surname Van Schendel is predominantly of Dutch origin and can be found primarily in the Netherlands and its diaspora communities worldwide. Historically, it is believed to originate from the provinces of North Brabant and Gelderland, where many families with this name still reside. However, due to migration and settlement patterns over centuries, significant populations of Van Schendel descendants can also be found in various countries such as South Africa, Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand, among others. In these countries, they have integrated into local societies while preserving elements of their cultural heritage, including the Van Schendel name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Van-schendel

The surname Van Schenkel, which is derived from the Dutch word for "mill," has several variations in English spelling due to differences in pronunciation and transcription by various scribes over time. Some of these variations include:

1. Van Schendel
2. van Schaendel
3. Van Schaendal
4. Van Schenkel
5. Van Schankel
6. Van Schankeld
7. Van Schancle
8. Van Schanckel
9. Van Schankeldt
10. Van Schanchill

The variations may also be due to differences in the region or country where the name was recorded, as well as changes in spelling conventions over time. Despite these differences, all of these spellings are essentially variations of the same surname, which originated in the Netherlands.

Famous people with the last name Van-schendel

Notable individuals with the surname Van Senden (or variations like Van Schendel) include:

1. Willem Frederik Hermann Theodoor van Schendel (1924-2008), a Dutch historian and anthropologist, known for his work on Southeast Asian history. He served as a professor at Leiden University in the Netherlands.

2. Antonius Jacobus Maria van Schendel (1886-1973), a Dutch violinist and conductor who was music director of the Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam from 1945 to 1954. He is also notable for being the first Dutch musician to gain international recognition.

3. Geert van Schendel (born 1958), a Dutch historian and anthropologist who specializes in Southeast Asian history. He is currently a professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. His works include "The Invention of Cities in Southeast Asia" and "The Making of a Siamese Identity."

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, particularly in music, anthropology, and history.

Genealogical research on the last name Van-schendel

The Van Schedel surname is believed to have originated from the southern Netherlands region of Brabant. The name can be traced back to the medieval period, with the first documented mention in 1236. It is thought to derive from 'von Schiedt', a Germanic term meaning 'from the boundary' or 'divided land'.

The Van Schedel family expanded throughout the Low Countries during the Middle Ages, with branches settling in modern-day Belgium and the Netherlands. Notable figures bearing this name include Jan van Schendel (1624–1667), a Dutch Baroque painter, and Adriaen van de Venne (1589–1662), a Flemish engraver and painter.

The Van Schedel lineage also extended to Germany, where the family adopted various regional variations such as von Schiedt, Scheitel, and Scheidt. In North America, descendants of Dutch immigrants began settling in New York and Pennsylvania in the 17th century. The Van Schedel name persists today among descendants in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world.

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 : 29 July 2025

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