Last Name Vis

The last name "Vis" likely has origins in the Netherlands or Belgium, as it is a common Dutch surname. In Dutch, "Vis" means "fish," so it is possible that the name originated as a nickname for someone who worked as a fisherman or sold fish. Alternatively, it could be derived from a geographical location or a personal characteristic related to fish.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vis

The meaning and origin of the last name Vis

The surname Vis is of Dutch origin, derived from the Old Frisian word "fis," meaning fish. It is a topographic surname given to someone who lives near or works with water or fish, or it could have been an occupational name for a fisherman or fishmonger. The Vis surname could also have originated as a nickname for someone with characteristics associated with fish, such as a swimming ability or a love for fish. The surname Vis is fairly common in the Netherlands and surrounding areas, reflecting the importance of fishing and waterways in the region's history and culture. Today, individuals with the surname Vis can be found all over the world, especially in countries with significant Dutch immigrant populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vis

The last name Vis is most commonly found in the Netherlands, where it is one of the most common surnames in the country. It is particularly prevalent in the provinces of South Holland and North Holland, as well as in the city of Rotterdam. Additionally, the surname Vis can also be found in countries such as Belgium, Germany, and Indonesia, due to historical ties and migration patterns. In the United States, the name Vis is less common but can be found in areas with significant Dutch immigrant populations, such as Michigan and Iowa. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Vis is primarily centered in the Netherlands, with smaller pockets of individuals bearing the surname in other parts of Europe and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vis

The last name "Vis" can have several variations and spellings, depending on different regions and languages. Some common variations include Viss, Vise, Vize, Visser, and Visconti. In Dutch and German-speaking countries, it may also appear as Van der Vis or simply Van Vis. In Italian, it could be spelled Visconi or Visconti. In some Slavic languages, it may be written as Visski or Vysski. Additionally, it could be anglicized as Viss or Vissie. The surname "Vis" likely has different spellings and variations due to its origins and migrations of those who bore the name over time. As with any surname, spelling variations are common across different regions and countries, reflecting the diverse linguistic influences and historical changes that have shaped the evolution of names.

Famous people with the last name Vis

Unfortunately, I could not find any famous individuals with the last name Vis. It is possible that there are people with this last name who have not achieved widespread recognition or fame. However, it is important to note that fame is not the only measure of someone's worth or impact on the world. There are many individuals who make valuable contributions to society without ever becoming household names. It is also possible that there are people with the last name Vis who have achieved success in their field but are not widely known outside of certain circles. Ultimately, fame is subjective and does not necessarily indicate someone's true worth or significance.

Genealogical research on the last name Vis

The surname Vis has roots in the Netherlands and is of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Dutch word "vis," meaning fish, and was likely used as an occupational surname for someone involved in the fishing industry or who lived near a body of water. The Vis family may have originated in the coastal regions of the Netherlands, where fishing was a common profession. Over time, branches of the Vis family may have spread to other parts of Europe and beyond, leading to variations in spelling and pronunciation of the surname. Genealogical research into the Vis family history may reveal connections to other Dutch surnames, as well as insights into the migration patterns and occupations of individuals bearing this surname. Further exploration of records such as birth and marriage certificates, census data, and immigration records can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Vis family lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vis"
• 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 April 2025

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