Zijlstra

Zijlstra is a surname of Dutch origin. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Jelle, with the addition of the suffix -stra, meaning "son of". Thus, Zijlstra literally translates to "son of Jelle". The name is relatively common in the Netherlands, particularly in the northern provinces.

Notable individuals with the surname Zijlstra include several prominent figures in Dutch public life. Henk Zijlstra was a Dutch politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives. Ernst Zijlstra is a Dutch actor and comedian, known for his work in television and theatre. Adriaan Zijlstra is a Dutch Paralympic athlete who has competed in several international competitions.

The Zijlstra surname can be found in various parts of the world due to Dutch emigration. While most commonly associated with the Netherlands, individuals bearing the name can also be found in countries with significant Dutch diaspora communities, such as Canada, Australia, and the United States. The distribution of the surname reflects historical patterns of migration and settlement.