Surname Valkenburgh - Meaning and Origin

Valkenburgh: What does the surname Valkenburgh mean?

The last name Valkenburgh is a Dutch-origin surname, meaning "falcon valley," derived from the Old Dutch "valken" meaning "falcons" and "burg" meaning "valley."

The origin of the surname is believed to be derived from a location in the Netherlands, where locals may have owned a farm or an estate in a valley surrounded by falcons. This unique place-name eventually became the surname of the family living there.

The Valkenburgh surname is an uncommon one across many countries today. The name is fairly concentrated in the Netherlands, where the original Valkenburgh homestead is still located, and can be found in other parts of Europe, the United States, Australia, and Canada.

The Valkenburgh surname has been passed down through generations for centuries, with each family’s version of the rallying point story gaining new perspectives across space and time. Though stories may differ, this place-name’s enduring association with falcons remains a proud reminder of the ancestry of those who bear the Valkenburgh name.

The unique history of the name Valkenburgh is yet another remarkable story of how a place-name can become an integral part of a family's identity and history over time.

Valkenburgh: Where does the name Valkenburgh come from?

The last name Valkenburgh is most commonly found in the United States. It is particularly prevalent in the Midwestern and Northeastern regions.

The first Valkenburgh to arrive in the U.S. is believed to have been Jacob Valkenburgh, who arrived in Albany, New York in 1651 from the town of Vianen in the Netherlands.

His descendants spread out across the east coast, eventually making their way to Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Smaller pockets of the Valkenburgh surname can also be found in California, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

Today, many Valkenburghs are farmers, laborers, and small business owners. They are also found in universities, the military, and corporate fields.

The Valkenburgh name is still quite common in the regions where its original settlers made a home. Because of the wide variety of Americans who have embraced the Valkenburgh story, its unique name has withstood the test of time.

Variations of the surname Valkenburgh

Variants of the surname Valkenburgh are Vankelburg, Vankelburghe, Wankleburg, and Wankleburghe. These variations stem from the original Dutch surname Van Kelburg, which means “from the Castle of Kelburg”. As individuals with this surname immigrated to countries where Dutch was not widely spoken, the name was adapted to fit the native language.

For example, when immigrants arrived in the United States, the “Van” was dropped leaving Valkenburgh, appearing in both Dutch and English. The pronunciation of the name changed slightly as well, becoming “Vawk” instead of the originally intended Dutch “vahnk”. In the United Kingdom, the name evolved into Wankleburg and Wankleburghe.

There are several other variant spellings for Valkenburgh when considering its various adaptations through language differences and migrations. Valkenburg, Valkenburghe, Walkenburgh, and Walkenberg are all Dutch versions of the original Van Kelburg surname. Volksenburgh, Velkenburg, Velkensburg, Vulkenburgh, Weldenburgh and Vankelberg are just some of the Americanized versions of the Dutch original.

Thus, it is important to note that although these surnames share the same origin, they may have additional historical roots that have shaped their various spellings. As a result, it is essential to do thorough research to understand the full range of the surname's evolution.

Famous people with the name Valkenburgh

• Jay Valkenburgh: American golfer who has won several major regional championships.
• Sonny Valkenburgh: Former NBA basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers.
• Jean Valkenburgh: Founder of a nonprofit organization known as Fund for Animals.
• Kip Valkenburgh: Executive director of the nonprofit organization, Trust for Public Land.
• Matt Valkenburgh: Powerboat racer most recently competing in the American Power Boat Association National Championship Race.
• Russ Valkenburgh: American sociologist who studies gender, race and class issues.
• Pat Valkenburgh: Renowned watercolor artist whose works have been displayed in galleries around the world.
• Robert Valkenburgh: Famous architect who is known for his Mid-century Modern-style homes.
• Dominick Valkenburgh: World-renowned opera singer who has performed in some of the most prestigious venues.
• Kieran Valkenburgh: Fashion designer who is best known for her eco-friendly collections of clothing.

Other surnames

Valkenburg