The surname Voorhees is of Dutch and English origin. It's an occupational name derived from the Middle Dutch term "voer" meaning 'fodder' or 'feed', and the Old Norse term "húsir" meaning 'homestead'. This name originally referred to someone who worked at a fodder store or a farm supplying feed for animals. In England, it's also a locational name from various places named Vohwys (in Devonshire) and Forish (in Kent), which are derived from the Old English "fōrīsc" meaning 'pig farm'. The surname has several variations such as Vorhees, Voors, and Vorhis.
The surname Voorhees is of Dutch origin, derived from the place name Voorschoten, a village located near Leiden in the Netherlands. The name itself comes from "voor" meaning 'for' or 'before', and "schote" referring to a small piece of land. It is believed that early inhabitants of this area were granted land with the preposition 'voor' to differentiate their property. Over time, the name evolved into its modern form as families migrated, particularly to North America during the 17th century. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Jason Voorhees, a fictional character from the Friday the 13th horror film series.
The surname Voorhees is primarily concentrated in the United States, particularly in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where it is believed to have Dutch origins. The name is also found in other parts of the U.S., including states like Michigan, Ohio, and New York, likely due to migration from the original settling areas. Beyond North America, there are some instances of the Voorhees surname in the Netherlands, as well as countries with a significant Dutch diaspora, such as South Africa and Australia. However, compared to its presence in the U.S., the name is less common outside of these regions. The global distribution suggests a strong historical connection to Dutch colonization and subsequent migration patterns.
The surname Voorhees has several variants and spellings due to differences in spelling conventions and pronunciation over time and across different regions. Some common variations include Vorhees, Voorshies, Vorhis, Vorhies, Vorhase, and Voorhies. These variations may arise from minor changes in the original name, such as the omission or addition of letters, or differences in how the name was spelled by different scribes over the years. Despite these variations, they all originated from the same root name. The earliest known reference to the name Voorhees is found in the 13th century in Flanders, now part of Belgium. Over time, the name spread to other parts of Europe and eventually made its way to America, where it has remained a common surname in some regions.
Jason Voorhees is perhaps the most renowned individual associated with the surname Voorhees. Known for his appearance in the "Friday the 13th" horror film series, he is portrayed as a relentless and supernatural killer who haunts Camp Crystal Lake and its surrounding areas. Apart from fiction, another notable figure with the last name Voorhees is Amy Voorhees, a professional tennis player who competed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. She reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 1978 and won four singles titles during her career. Additionally, Sean Voorhees is a professional skateboarder known for his street skating style and numerous appearances in skate videos and magazines. Lastly, Lee Voorhees, an entrepreneur, is the co-founder of the popular online marketplace Poshmark. These individuals demonstrate the versatility and accomplishments within the Voorhees family name outside of the horror film genre.
The surname Voorhees originates from the Netherlands and is a variant of the original Dutch name "Voorhuis," which means "before the house" or "forecourt." The family's origins can be traced back to the province of Groningen in the Netherlands, where the first recorded instance of the name was found in 1284.
In America, the Voorhees family is most notably linked to two prominent branches: one settling in New Jersey and the other in Massachusetts. The New Jersey branch includes the famous Jason Voorhees character from the "Friday the 13th" horror film series, but this fictional character should not be confused with the historical Voorhees family members.
The most notable member of the Voorhees family is likely Governor Thomas S. Voorhees, who served as governor of Indiana from 1857 to 1860. Another prominent figure was Benjamin Voorhees, a successful businessman and philanthropist in Indiana during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The surname Voorhees remains common among the Dutch American population, particularly in states like Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania, as well as in Canada.
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