Colijns

Colijns is a Dutch-language surname that is typically understood as a patronymic form. Such surnames were often created to indicate lineage, in this case implying “son of Colijn.”

The given name Colijn is an old Dutch form that is generally considered to be derived from the name Nicolaus (Nicholas). In this sense, Colijns is related to other Dutch forms connected to Nicolas, and it shares common roots with variants used in historical records. The suffix -s in Dutch patronymic surnames commonly marks a familial connection, contributing to the interpretation of Colijns as “descendant of Colijn.”

Geographic distribution and use have varied over time. The surname Colijns is uncommon and is most often found in the Netherlands, with occasional occurrences among Dutch diaspora communities abroad. In genealogical sources, Colijns may appear alongside related spellings in older records, reflecting shifts in spelling conventions and regional dialects.

Variants and related forms include Colijn and Colyns, among other historical spellings that emerged before standardization of Dutch orthography. These forms share the same etymological origin and can appear in archival documents from different periods.

Notable bearers of this exact surname are relatively scarce in widely available reference works. Colijns is nevertheless linked to the broader family of Dutch patronymic names derived from the given name Colijn, and to the better-known Colijn surname, from which it may be genealogically related.

See also: Colijn (surname); patronymic naming in Dutch tradition.