Eijk

Eijk is a surname of Dutch origin. It is believed to be a patronymic or toponymic surname, meaning it likely derived from a personal name or a place name. The name "Eijk" itself can be related to the Dutch word for "oak tree" (eik), suggesting a possible connection to a place where oak trees were prevalent or a family associated with such a location. Alternatively, it could stem from an older given name.

Historically, surnames in the Netherlands, like in many other European countries, became more common and standardized during the late Middle Ages and early modern period to aid in taxation and record-keeping. The surname Eijk would have been adopted by families in different regions of the Netherlands.

Notable individuals with the surname Eijk include Christiaan Eijk, a Dutch physicist, and various individuals who have contributed to Dutch arts, sciences, and commerce. The distribution of the surname is primarily concentrated in the Netherlands, though it can also be found in countries with historical Dutch migration, such as Canada, Australia, and the United States. The exact prevalence of the surname can vary, but it remains a recognizable part of Dutch onomastics.