van Droffelaar
Does anyone know the origin and meaning of the surname van Droffelaar
vote up1vote down

Replies

This name means "from Droffelaar". Droffelaar was originally De Roffelaar, which is the name of a farm near Scherpenzeel, province Gelderland. It was named after as far as I can tell a natural water. Also a lock or a dam in this water beared that name. The farm was probably burned down during the Second World War by German soldiers on a raid, together with other farms. De Roffelaar literally means "the planer" or "the bungler, muddler". It is also a possible nickname for woodpeckers.source: www.meertens.knaw.nl/nfd/
vote up1vote down
Thankyou Kylie regarding the information on the name van Droffelaar however the name has appeared as early as the 16 century,and still seeking further information on the name and its origin.
Regards
Michael van Droffelaar
vote up1vote down
I'd also be interested in knowing where the name came from.Best Michael van Droffelaar
(son of Bernard van Droffelaar, born in Amsterdam)
vote up1vote down