Surname Leijendekker - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Leijendekker: What does the surname Leijendekker mean?
The surname Leijendekker is of Dutch origin and means “worm catcher” or one who tended to leijen (or linen fishing nets). It was possibly an occupational name. Leijendekker is common in regions of the Netherlands such as the province of Zeeland.
It's likely that this surname emerged as a way of distinguishing multiple fishermen, since fishing has been a part of Dutch culture since prehistoric times. Traditionally, fishing was deeply embedded within the Dutch economy, with salted herring particularly in demand throughout northern Europe.
In the Netherlands particularly, fishing evolved from a small-scale craft to an industrialized industry. It is believed that the typical occupation of fishermen and net makers in the past provided a foundation from which this surname derived. This could explain why the surname Leijendekker is so prevalent in the Netherlands.
The Leijendekker surname, no matter how it originated, is a part of Dutch culture and history. Its origin and meaning serve as a reminder of the Dutch people’s deep connection to fishing, and the importance of the craft to their economy and lifestyle.
Order DNA origin analysisLeijendekker: Where does the name Leijendekker come from?
The last name Leijendekker is most common today in the Netherlands, particularly in the province of North Holland. It is a Dutch patronymic surname, meaning "son of Leijende", with the root Leijende being derived from a short form of the Dutch personal name Leijend. Theusage of Leijendekker as a patronymic surname likely began in the 16th century, although it was likely used prior to that.
Many people with this last name live and work in Amsterdam and other cities and towns in North Holland. There are also significant populations of people with the last name Leijendekker in the United States, particularly in the Midwest region, as well as parts of Europe, like Germany, Belgium, and France.
The name Leijendekker is often shortened to Leijend and is found in businesses, schools and institutions throughout the Netherlands. It is also often used as a middle name, which is common in the Netherlands.
There is also a small village in North Holland called Leijendekker, which has likely been named after the Leijendekker family. The village is home to a number of people with the last name Leijendekker, and is one of the more prominent places to find the name.
Variations of the surname Leijendekker
The surname Leijendekker is an ancient Dutch name originating in the province of North Holland, and is derived from the Dutch phrase "Leeuwendekker", meaning "lion hunter". Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Leijendekker include Leendertsdekker, Leendekker, Leemdekker, Leijendekker, and Leidendekker.
Depending on the spelling, the surname may also be translated to "Lion Defender" or "Lion Protector." For example, the spelling "Leendertsdekker" could be translated to mean "Lion Defender," with "Leendekker" could mean "Lion Protector."
Other variants include "Leeendekker," "Leenendekker," "Leedendekker" and "Leendertsander." These variants vary slightly from the original spelling, but are all of the same origin.
British spellings may also be used to refer to the surname Leijendekker. These ones include "Leaundeker," "Leendeker," and "Lelandeker."
In some cases, variations of Leijendekker may be used across other countries, such as in Germany where professionals trained in law (such as lawyers or judges) may use the name "Liejendecher."
Regardless of the spelling, all variations of the surname Leijendekker indicate the same Dutch origin and refer to the same profession—a hunter or protector of lions.
Famous people with the name Leijendekker
- Lise Leijendekker: Former Dutch politician, she was an MP in the House of Representatives for the Labour Party from 1994 to 2006.
- Yvonne Leijendekker: Dutch field hockey player, she competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics.
- Maike Leijendekker: Dutch badminton player, she won three bronze medals at the World Junior Championships.
- Anne-Marie Leijendekker: Dutch sailor, she competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
- Jeroen Leijendekker: Dutch writer, his novel zoek het uit won the Akadimie Prize for Youth Literature in 2015.
- Kees Leijendekker: Dutch former footballer, he made over 300 appearances for the Ajax Amsterdam first team.
- Eveline Leijendekker: Dutch fashion designer, she has been featured in Elle and Vogue Japan.
- Marlies Leijendekker: Dutch stage actress, she has appeared in a number of Dutch films and plays.
- Eugène Leijendekker: Dutch-Canadian sculptor, he is best known for his large abstract bronze monuments.
- Marco Leijendekker: Dutch football manager and former player, he is currently the head coach of Twente.