Message: "Here's an interesting one for ya"

Here's an interesting one for ya

by John Van Steensburg (guest)

2/13/2005, 2:39 AM

Well I am wondering what the origin of my last name is and what it means. The Van makes me think it has a Dutch connection but I think the Steens part has German origins. Any clues? Thanks.

email: desidayratums@hotmail.com

Replies

- Lissy (GLynElisabeth)

4/9/2005, 8:21 AM

There's no doubt about the fact that the name is of Dutch origin. (if it was german it would be von instead of van!) The Dutch word 'steen' means 'stone'. 'Burg' is an old Dutch word which is now 'burcht', it means 'fortress'. 'Van' means 'of' so your name would mean: 'of the stone fortress'.

I hope that helped!!!

~Lully Lulla~

- Andy ;—) (guest) +1

2/14/2005, 10:17 AM

I checked an online dictionary and it says:
"steen" means "gem" in modern Dutch. But of course it's the same word as English "stone" or German "Stein", so I suppose in Old Dutch (?) it had the very meaning.
So there must be some stone castle or citadel behind the name.

- Carol Van Steensburg (guest)

4/29/2005, 2:19 PM

From your aunt Know-It-All :-) Lissy was right. It means of (or from) the stone village or town. Van being dutch for "son of" used in the broader sense of a village or place. Steen being stone and burg being a village or town.
This was translated to me by a woman from Amsterdam. So I feel like it's accurate. How ya doing kid?

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