Surname Van Guilder - Meaning and Origin
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Van Guilder: What does the surname Van Guilder mean?
The last name Van Guilder is a Dutch-German surname. Historically, the name was derived from the Dutch words “van” and “Gilder,” which translates to mean “from Gilder.” Gilder, or guilder in Dutch, refers to a type of dealing in business transactions, often involving trade or a person trading goods. This type of dealing can range from anything such as an artisans’ guild to merchants and bankers selling goods.
The usage of the name Van Guilder likely refers to a person of wealth throughout the business world, either through guilds or in business transactions where money was exchanged. Alternatively, the name may have come from a family that has resided in the area for generations and likely had a monetary focus, whether formal or informal.
As the naming tradition evolved, the modern use of the Dutch-German name “Van Guilder” has shifted from its original meaning of “from Gilder,” being used as an occupational name to now being largely adopted as a surname or a marker of a person’s heritage or family.
Despite centuries of change in the meaning of the name, the original Dutch-German surname of Van Guilder still serves as a reminder of its past, having been preserved through generations of families and its iconic meaning being corrupted or forgotten over time.
Order DNA origin analysisVan Guilder: Where does the name Van Guilder come from?
The last name Van Guilder is most commonly found today in the Netherlands and surrounding regions of Europe, where its Dutch and German heritage is most prevalent. It has historically been a popular name, and records show that as far back as the Middle Ages, the name was used in many generations.
Today, the surname is most common in the Benelux countries, which include the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. It is also found in France, Germany, and other neighboring countries with Dutch-speaking populations.
In the Netherlands, the Van Guilder family can be traced back to the small Dutch province of Drenthe. Today, it is also found throughout the country, including in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Haarlem and other parts of North Holland. The surname is also quite common in the coastal city of Den Helder and throughout South Holland.
Outside of Europe, the name Van Guilder has seen some emigration to other countries such as the United States and Canada. Since the 1970s, the surname has been seen growing in Australia, where it is most common in the states of New South Wales and Victoria. Elsewhere, Van Guilder can be found in South Africa, parts of Central and South America, and in some parts of the Caribbean.
Variations of the surname Van Guilder
Van Guilder is a surname of Dutch origin. Variants of Van Guilder include Van Gelder, Vanderguilder, Vandergulden, and Vanderguld. Spellings of the surname may also include Van Gilder, Vangilder, and Vangilde. In some cases, forms of the surname may include an extra “d”, such as Vandelgilder, Vandegilder, and Vandegilde.
Van Guilder and its variants are shared as surnames by families who trace their roots to the land of the Netherlands or Dutch settlers who immigrated elsewhere. The surname is also found in parts of Belgium, particularly in Flanders.
In many cases, families with this surname may have taken on other surnames due to changes in immigration or naturalization laws or changes in national borders. These may include similar surnames, such as Gelders or Gulden; related surnames such as Guild, Guilder, and Gilden; or entirely different surnames, such as Foster or Fields.
The followers of Van Guilder across the world may have formed trade networks or patronymic connections, which may have evolved over time into distinct families with a shared ancestry. It is also likely that the diversity of surnames derived from Van Guilder may be due to cases of two or more unrelated families in early history sharing the same surname, and that those families eventually formed distinct clans with their own unique roots and histories.
Famous people with the name Van Guilder
- Kelly Van Guilder: American professional soccer player for Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League.
- Joshua Van Guilder: American film and television actor and producer.
- Carla Van Guilder: American modern artist specializing in large-scale abstract and figurative paintings.
- John Van Guilder: American luthier and stringed instrument maker.
- Melissa Van Guilder: American athlete and 2016 Olympic gold medalist in the women's 59 kg weightlifting event.
- William Van Guilder: American painter and muralist known primarily for his historic scenes of the Hudson Valley.
- Robert Van Guilder: American footballer and First Team All-American selection for the University of Virginia in 1964.
- Quenby Van Guilder: American Paralympic snowboarder, who has competed in the women's banked slalom event since 2014.
- Hannibal Van Guilder: American Civil War soldier and Medal of Honor recipient.
- Ebenezer Van Guilder: American politician who served as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly from 1881 to 1887.