Surname Hilbrands - Meaning and Origin
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Hilbrands: What does the surname Hilbrands mean?
The surname Hilbrands is of Dutch origin and is derived from the Old Germanic personal name Hilbrand. This name is composed of two elements: the prototheme Hil, which is an element used to form personal names with a meaning "fighter, soldier, warrior", and brand, which is derived from the verb 'branden' meaning "to brandish a sword or lance" and referring to a heroic figure or a knight.
The surname Hilbrands is common in the Netherlands and is thought to have originated there. It is most common in the provinces of Groningen, Drenthe, and Friesland. The surname is also found in other countries, including the United States, where it is sometimes spelled Hylbrand or Hylbrands.
Hilbrands is an occupational surname, meaning that it was initially a name used to refer to someone who worked in a particular trade or profession. In this case, it most likely referred to a soldier or knight. However, the meaning of the name has since evolved to also represent someone who is courageous, brave, and strong-willed.
The Hilbrands family is one that is deeply rooted in the tradition of Netherlands. It is a reminder of strength and courage, and of the heroic acts of those who first bore the name.
Order DNA origin analysisHilbrands: Where does the name Hilbrands come from?
The last name Hilbrands is most commonly found in the Netherlands and Germany today. It is a derivative of the Dutch surname "Hilbrant," meaning "brave sword," and was probably developed either as a nickname or patronym for the ancestor of the Hilbrands. Prior to the 19th century, it was common to add an "s" to the end of a name like this to denote children of that family.
In Germany, the Hilbrands family name is found in several states, including North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony, Bavaria, and Berlin. In 2018, it was the 822nd most common surname in Germany, with an estimated 31,500 people bearing the name.
In the Netherlands, it is much more rare, ranking 4,578th most popular in 2018, with an estimated 1,100 people reigning it. However, it is much more densely concentrated in the Dutch province of Friesland, where in 2016 it was the 257th most popular last name.
The Hilbrands is also present in other countries around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. In the US, there were an estimated 565 households with the Hilbrands name in the 1850 United States Federal Census, mainly concentrated in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
Variations of the surname Hilbrands
The surname Hilbrands is a Dutch toponymic surname derived from a place name in which the family was living. It is a relatively uncommon surname, and it does not have many variants or spelling variations. The most common variants are Hilbrent, Hilbrens, Hilbrink, Hilbranden and Hylbrants.
Hilbrands is also occasionally seen in the form Hildbrands. Most variations of the name are found in Dutch-speaking areas, including Flanders in Belgium.
The Hilbrands family are believed to hail from Germany, and they could also have derived from a shortened form of a personal name, such as Hildibrand or Hilbrand. Variations of the name can also be found in France, most likely in the form Hildibrand.
In some cases, Hilbrands can also be found as surnames with a different origin or root. In the Netherlands, for example, the name Hilbrands can also be found to have originated from the Dutch word "Hilbrant," meaning "twigbraider" or "willow weaver." In addition, in Christian religious circles, it is sometimes seen as a variation of the biblical name "Hilbred/Hilbredd."
No matter what root or origin of the surname, all variations of Hilbrands vary slightly in spelling but are all derived from the same source.
Famous people with the name Hilbrands
- Pieter Hilbrands: Dutch politician of the Christian Democratic Appeal.
- Rein Hilbrands: Dutch rower.
- Anjo Hilbrands: Dutch politician and former criminal law lecturer.
- Richard Hilbrands: Dutch political journalist.
- Steven Hilbrands: Dutch tennis player.
- John Hilbrands: American author and entrepreneur.
- Wim Hilbrands: Dutch politician and a former textile worker.
- Jess Hill: Australian author and investigative journalist.
- William Hilbrand: Dutch engineer and professor of Applied Physics.
- Theo Hilbrands: Dutch painter.
- Martin Hilbrands: Dutch designer and artist.
- Matthieu Hilbrands: Dutch soccer player.
- Lorna Hilbrands: Canadian author and public health doctor.
- Groenlo Hilbrands: South African minister of education.
- Chris Hilbrands: Australian associate professor of business and marketing.
- Inge Hilbrands: Dutch director and actress.
- Ida Hilbrands: Dutch ceramicist and sculptor.
- Jan Hilbrands: Dutch architect.
- Carla Hilbrands: Dutch flutist.
- Mariana Hilbrands: Dutch regional politician.