Last Name Vermeulen

The surname Vermeulen has Dutch origins. It is derived from the Dutch language and translates to "son of the mill" or "young miller". The name typically refers to someone who lived near a windmill, worked as a miller, or whose occupation was in some way related to a mill. This name is common among the Dutch-speaking population in countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, and Suriname. It is also found in France due to historical migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vermeulen

The meaning and origin of the last name Vermeulen

The surname Vermeulen is of Dutch origin, derived from the Middle Dutch words "Vermeule" or "Vermuelen," which translate to "little mill" or "miller's son." This name was often given to individuals connected to a family that owned or operated a mill. Over time, as many Dutch families emigrated or migrated within Europe and beyond, the surname Vermeulen spread across various regions, adopting different spellings and pronunciations based on local linguistic influences. The name is now widely recognized in countries such as South Africa, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United States. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Johannes Vermeer, a renowned Dutch painter from the Golden Age of Dutch Art.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vermeulen

The surname Vermeulen is predominantly of Dutch origin and has its highest concentration in the Netherlands. According to data from FamilySearch, it is the 86th most common last name in the country. It also appears frequently in Belgium, where it ranks among the top 1500 surnames. The diaspora of Dutch and Flemish settlers has led to the dispersal of Vermeulens across various parts of North America, particularly in Canada and the United States, as well as South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. The name's geographical distribution thus reflects historical migration patterns of Dutch-speaking populations. However, it is important to note that due to assimilation and natural population growth, the name has been adopted by individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds in these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vermeulen

The surname Vermeulen has several variants and spellings due to regional dialects and historical transcription errors. Some of the most common variations include Vermuelen, Vermeelen, Vermeilen, Vermuelene, Vermeilan, Vermeylan, Vermeillon, Vermeele, Vermeille, and Vermeel. These variations stem from slight changes in pronunciation and spelling conventions over time and across different regions within the Netherlands and Belgium, where the name originates. It is also worth noting that the name may have different meanings depending on the region; for example, it could refer to "the little mill" or "of the mill" in Flemish-speaking areas. These variations serve as a testament to the rich history and cultural diversity of the regions where the Vermeulen name is found.

Famous people with the last name Vermeulen

Among the notable individuals bearing the surname Vermeulen are:

1. Pieter Jacobus (Piet) Vermeulen (1934-2016), a South African academic and politician who served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape from 1987 to 1995. He was also a member of Parliament for the African National Congress between 1994 and 2004.

2. John Vermeulen (born 1935), an American composer, arranger, conductor, and pianist who has written over 300 works for band, orchestra, and voice. He is a recipient of the National Band Association's Sudler Flag of Honor.

3. Marlies Vermeulen (born 1968), a Dutch television presenter, author, and columnist. She has worked for various Dutch TV channels and has written several books on lifestyle topics.

4. David Vermeulen (born 1970), a Belgian cyclist who won the 2000 Paris-Tours race. He also competed in the Olympic Games in 1996 and 2000.

5. Paul Vermeulen (born 1946), a Dutch footballer who played as a defender for various clubs, including Ajax Amsterdam and FC Twente. He also represented the Netherlands national team in the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

Genealogical research on the last name Vermeulen

The surname Vermeulen originates from the Low Countries, specifically Belgium and the Netherlands, where it is derived from the Old French 'vermeil', meaning 'vermilion' or 'red'. This name was often given to someone who had red hair or a reddish complexion. The Dutch variant of the name is 'Vermeer(s)en'.

Throughout history, the Vermeulen family has been prominent in several areas, particularly Flanders and Brabant regions. Notable bearers include Johannes Vermeer, a renowned Dutch painter from Delft, whose works such as "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and "The Milkmaid" have had significant influence on Western art.

During the Middle Ages, the Vermeulen family were frequently involved in various trades, including weaving, metalworking, and mercantile activities due to their geographical proximity to the North Sea trading routes. Genealogical records show that many Vermeulens immigrated to France, England, and the Americas during the late 16th and 17th centuries, contributing to the dispersal and expansion of the surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vermeulen"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends