Dutchnaming

Dutchnaming refers to the system of personal naming used in Dutch-speaking regions, chiefly the Netherlands and Flanders. It covers given names, middle names where present, and family names. Modern practice features fixed, hereditary surnames that were standardized in the early 19th century during civil registration. Before that, many people used patronymics—names derived from the father’s given name—that gradually became fixed family names.

Surnames in Dutch naming often include prefixes such as van, de, van der, van den, or ter. These prefixes form part of the full surname, but how they are treated in sorting lists varies by context. In many cases, the main part of the surname after the prefix determines alphabetical order, while the prefix is typically written in lowercase within running text. At the beginning of a sentence, the prefix may be capitalized, as in “Van Gogh.”

Double surnames and name changes are common features. It is possible to form hyphenated or compound surnames by combining two family names, often through marriage or personal choice registered with authorities. Dutch law allows various forms of name changes, subject to official registration, and many people maintain both their birth name and a spouse’s name in different social or professional contexts.

Given names and usage: Individuals commonly have one or more given names; the first is usually used in daily life, while additional names appear on formal documents. People may be called by their first name or a preferred name in informal settings. In official contexts, initials or full given names are often used.

Regional variation exists, but Dutchnaming practices are broadly stable across the Dutch-speaking world. In practice, the full legal name, including any prefixes and double surnames, is used for official purposes, while common usage may differ by personal preference and social context.