Surname Pels - Meaning and Origin
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Pels: What does the surname Pels mean?
The last name Pels is of Dutch origin and is derived from the Dutch word 'pels' which translates to 'pelts' or 'pelt.' The name refers to someone who either sold or owned furs and pelts. The exact origin of the surname is not known and it may have been a nickname or even an occupational name.
Traditionally, the Dutch word 'pels' also referred to a type of coarse or tough material used to make garments for the lower class, such as shoes. As such, the surname was probably adopted as a surname by people who dealt in or wore clothing made from this material or who worked in this trade.
Over time, the surname 'Pels' has become associated with nobility, and some people with this surname can trace their ancestors back to Dutch aristocracy. In addition, the surname is common among Jewish families who originally emigrated from the Netherlands.
Overall, the last name Pels is most likely derived from an occupational or sometimes a nickname; however, its exact origin is not definitively known and its current associations may have come from other influences.
Order DNA origin analysisPels: Where does the name Pels come from?
The last name Pels is generally considered to be Dutch in origin. As such, the surname is most prevalent in the Netherlands and countries with historically significant Dutch settlements such as South Africa, Indonesia, and New Zealand. Additionally, the spread of Dutch immigrants, merchants, and traders throughout the world also accounts for the presence of the surname all over Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
In Europe, the Netherlands is the only country where the surname is particularly common. According to Het Oprechte Nederlandse Familie Naamwoordenboek, Pels is the 34th most common surname in the Netherlands, making up 0.25% of the population.
In the Americas, the surname is most common in the United States, where it is found in 35 out of 50 states. According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2017, the Pels surname accounted for 0.006% of the entire U.S. population. Canada has the next highest concentration of Pels, making up 0.002% of the population.
In the Netherlands, many variants of the surname have been documented, including similar sounding names such as Peele, Pellis, and Pellens. Although uncommon, these variant spellings can be found in other parts of the world as well.
Variations of the surname Pels
The surname Pels is of Dutch origin. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include: Pelsmaeker, Pellessmaeker, Pelssmaeker, Pelsmaker, Pelmaker, Pellsmaker, Pelsman, Pellerman, Pelmman, Pellermann, Pelzmacher, Peltsmacher, Peltsmekers, Peltsmakers, and Pelzmakers.
Pelsmaeker (also spelled Pelsmeker and Pels Meker) is believed to come from the Flemish term “pelsmeker,” a fur worker. Pels makers treated and colored animal skins. These could be karossen, coats of fur or leather, bedding, and even uniforms for military men. The addition of “maeker” (maker) is thought to be an occupational name.
The surname Pelsman (also spelled Pellerman and Pelmman) is most likely derived from the Dutch element “pel.” This element can refer to a bundle of animal skins or it can be a nickname for someone who works with fur. Additionally, the term “man” is an occupational reference. Thus the word Pelsman most likely refers to a fur worker.
The surname Pelzmacher (also spelled Peltsmacher and Pelzmekers) is thought to be a combination of two German words, pelz (fur) and macher (maker). Pelzmacher can either be an occupational name for a furrier or a nickname for someone with bushy hair or someone who works with fur.
The surnames Peltsmekers (also spelled Peltsmachers and Peltsmakers) may also derive from the element “pelts” (German for fur) combined with “meker” (maker). This name could also indicate someone who works with fur or fabrics.
Finally, the surname Pelzmakers (also spelled Pelzmaker) is thought to come from the combination of the German words “pelz” (fur) and “maker” (maker). Again, this surname likely refers to someone who works with fur and fabrics.
Famous people with the name Pels
- Dirk Pels, Dutch football coach
- Lim Pels, Dutch music teacher
- Daniel Pels, Dutch athlete 4.VRPels, Dutch electronic dance producer 5.Joran Pels, Dutch soccer player 6.Jacques Pels, Dutch racing driver 7.Jos Pels, Dutch jazz musician 8.Johannes Pels, Dutch rower 9.Tim Pels, Dutch educator 10.Kelly Pels, Dutch television host 11.Gijs Pels, Dutch speed skater 12.Joost Pels, Dutch Olympic diver 13.Klaas Pels, Dutch swimmer 14.Ad Pels, Dutch art historian 15.Jan Pels, Dutch actor 16.Genonimo Pels, Dutch resistance fighter 17.Esther Pels, Dutch comic book artist 18.Geert Pels, Dutch football manager 19.Hendrick Pels, Dutch landscape painter 20.Mieke Pels, Dutch tennis player