Last Name Vosloo

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vosloo

The meaning and origin of the last name Vosloo

The surname Vosloo is of Afrikaans origin, derived from the Dutch word "Voss" which means fox, and the Afrikaans suffix "-loo," a locative suffix indicating a place or farm. This surname was likely adopted by individuals who lived near or owned a property called "Vossloo."

The Vosloo surname is predominantly found in South Africa and Namibia, where it originated among the Afrikaans-speaking population, primarily of Dutch and German descent. The first recorded spelling of the name appears to be in the 19th century, during the Dutch colonial era in Southern Africa, when many European settlers established farms and gave their children surnames based on the location or other distinguishing features of their property. Today, the Vosloo surname is still commonly found in these regions and has been spread worldwide due to migration and diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vosloo

The surname Vosloo is predominantly found in South Africa, particularly in the Western and Northern Cape provinces. This is largely due to the historical Dutch and Afrikaans influence in these regions. The name is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of South Africa, but its high concentration in the Western and Northern Cape suggests a strong historical link between the name and these areas. While there are instances of Vosloo surnames outside of South Africa, they are relatively rare, indicating that the majority of Vosloos reside within the country's borders. The exact number of Vosloo individuals worldwide is difficult to determine due to variations in spelling and inconsistencies in data recording, but it is safe to say that a significant proportion of people bearing this surname can be found in South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vosloo

The surname Vosloo has several variations and spellings. The most common forms include Voslou, Vossloh, Vossloo, Vosslo, and Voslouw. These variations primarily stem from differences in spelling conventions over time, as well as regional dialects. In some instances, the name might also be pronounced differently due to local pronunciation rules or individual preference. However, it is essential to note that these variations may impact how easily one can trace their family history or ancestry, as records might use different spellings. Ultimately, understanding the possible forms of a surname like Vosloo is crucial for family research and genealogy purposes.

Famous people with the last name Vosloo

Notable individuals bearing the surname Vosloo include:

1. Pierre Vosloo - A South African former professional rugby union player who represented Western Province and the Stormers in the Currie Cup and Super Rugby competitions respectively. He also played for the Springboks, South Africa's national team, during the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

2. Charl Vosloo - A renowned South African actor who has appeared in numerous films and television series. Some of his notable roles include those in "Blood Diamond," "Troy: Fall of a City," and "The Witcher."

3. Adriaan Vosloo - A South African former professional cyclist who is the current manager for Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka, one of Africa's first UCI World Tour cycling teams. He was also a two-time Olympian and represented South Africa in numerous international competitions.

4. Marthinus Vosloo - A prominent political figure who served as the Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs from 1985 to 1992 in the government of South Africa under President P.W. Botha, during the final years of apartheid. He later became a member of the Constituent Assembly, contributing to the drafting of South Africa's new constitution following the end of apartheid.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning sports, entertainment, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Vosloo

The surname Vosloo is of Dutch origin, derived from the Old Dutch word "Voss," meaning fox, and "loo," an open or marshy piece of land. The Vosloo family is believed to have immigrated from Holland to South Africa during the 17th century as part of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) colonization efforts. One of the earliest recorded Vosloo ancestors was Pieter Vossloot, who arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1683. Over time, various branches of the Vosloo family developed across South Africa, with notable individuals such as Stephanus Jacobus Petrus Vosloo (a prominent political figure during the late 19th and early 20th centuries) and Johannes Hendrik Vosloo (an Afrikaans poet and author). Today, the Vosloo surname is still prevalent in South Africa, with many descendants tracing their roots back to the original immigrant families.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "vosloo"
• 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 : 15 June 2025