indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Surname (from occupation & from location)
Usage Dutch, West Frisian
Other Forms FormsZijlstra, Zeijlstra, Zylstra, Sylstra
Meaning & History
Derived from zijl "sluice" and the suffix -stra denoting an inhabitant of a place. The name has also been connected to zeil "sail; to sail", possibly a nickname for someone who made sails or spent a lot of time on a ship.