Izaak

Izaak is a given name of Dutch origin, a spelling variant of Isaac. It derives from the Hebrew Yitzhak, meaning “he will laugh” or simply “laughter,” a reference to the biblical Isaac. The form Izaak is common in the Netherlands and Belgium and has been adopted by related communities in other languages. In English, the more widespread form is Isaac, but Izaak appears in historical records and in certain literary or religious contexts.

The name has appeared in various cultures and periods. Notable individuals with the name include Izaak Walton (1593–1683), the English writer best known for The Compleat Angler, and Izaak van Oosten, a Dutch Golden Age painter. The spelling also appears in other Dutch-era figures and in genealogical records, reflecting its solid roots in Dutch naming traditions. Variants of the name include Isaak and Izak, and in Afrikaans the related form Izaäk is common.

Overall, Izaak remains a recognized historical and cultural variant of Isaac, retaining the biblical association while reflecting Dutch linguistic conventions. Its use today is less common than Isaac in English-speaking regions, but it continues to appear in Dutch-speaking areas and among families with Dutch heritage.