Surname Van Hoy - Meaning and Origin
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Van Hoy: What does the surname Van Hoy mean?
The surname Van Hoy is of Dutch origin and it is topographic in nature, meaning it is based on the geographical location where the person initially took the surname. The word "van" in Dutch essentially translates to "from" in English, signifying origin or descent. The latter part "Hoy" could possibly be related from the Dutch word "hoi" meaning "high". Therefore, it might indicate someone who lived at a 'high' place or atop a hill. However, it's important to note that less is known about the exact meaning of "Hoy" and interpretations can vary. Actual meanings of names can be lost over centuries and translations become approximate. It should be stated these are possible interpretations and might not represent the absolute accurate historical definition of the surname Van Hoy.
Order DNA origin analysisVan Hoy: Where does the name Van Hoy come from?
The last name Van Hoy is commonly found in the United States today. Although Van Hoy is considered an Americanized version of a Dutch name, it is currently most popular among Americans. The 2010 census listed more than 13,000 individuals with the last name Van Hoy primarily residing in the United States, with the majority living in the states of Texas, North Carolina and Ohio.
Van Hoy is also found in other countries across the globe, including Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia. Although the population of Van Hoys is much smaller outside the United States, families bearing the name can still be found in areas of Europe, such as the Netherlands and Belgium.
Van Hoy is also a common surname among Amish devotees. Although the Amish tradition is practiced in many countries, it originated in the United States, and it remains one of the most popular destinations for Amish immigrants. It is likely that a significant portion of the Van Hoy population traced their roots back to American Amish communities of the 19th century.
The Van Hoy family name typically has Dutch roots, but today, it is shared among individuals of all ethnic backgrounds. Wherever it is found, it represents a history of hardworking individuals that have left a lasting impact throughout the world.
Variations of the surname Van Hoy
There are several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Van Hoy. These include Van Hoey, Van Hoeye, Van Hoy, Van Hoye, Vanhoy, Vanhoye, Vanhoyle, and Vanhoyen.
The surname Van Hoy is a patronymic surname which likely derived from the personal first name of Huij, an Old Dutch name, or from the Dutch nickname for Hugh (Huig). The name itself was likely derived from the name Hugo.
The variants Van Hoey, Van Hoeye, and Van Hoye are found in Holland and Belgium and are likely derived from a Northern form of Hugh (Huig).
The variants Vanhoy and Vanhoye, which have spelling variations such as Vanhoyle and Vanhoyen, are most commonly found in the United States, Canada, and other parts of North America. Many of those with this surname are from Dutch and Gelderland ancestry and mostly settled in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, New York, and Wisconsin in the 1800s.
Van Hoy is also commonly found in Germany, Denmark, and Norway, although it has spelling variations such as Van, Vahn, and Hoye. These are likely derived from the Middle Dutch surname Van Hoi, which means "from the court".
The surname Van Hoy has remained relatively prominent and widespread throughout its many countries of origin.
Famous people with the name Van Hoy
- Josh Van Hoy, American actor
- Tom Van Hoy, American professional wrestler
- Paul Van Hoy, professional baseball player
- June Van Hoy, artist
- Richard Van Hoy, poet and artist
- John Van Hoy, painter
- Mark Van Hoy, professor at Riverside City College
- Robert Van Hoy, American politician
- Robert L. Van Hoy, Officer in the United States Navy
- Sam Van Hoy, former professional basketball player