Zijlstra Explained
Zijlstra is a West Frisian toponymic or occupational surname meaning "from/of the Zijl", a Middle Dutch name for a type of sluice (Modern Dutch Spuisluis, German Siel). The suffix "-stra" is derived from old Germanic -sater, meaning sitter or dweller. The name could thus be referring to a lock keeper. Variant forms are Zeijlstra, Zeilstra, Zylstra, and Sylstra. The latter is the common spelling abroad.[1] People with this name include:
- Anca Zijlstra (born 1973), Dutch darts player
- Auke Zijlstra (born 1964), Dutch politician (PVV)
- Carla Zijlstra (born 1969), Dutch speed skater
- Halbe Zijlstra (born 1969), Dutch politician (VVD), Minister of Foreign Affairs 2017–18
- Hieke Zijlstra (born 1981), Dutch footballer
- Jelle Zijlstra (1918–2001), Dutch politician (ARP), economist and banker, Prime Minister 1966–67
- Kees Zijlstra (1931–2013), Dutch politician (PvdA) and civil servant
- Martin Zijlstra (1944–2014), Dutch politician (PvdA)
- Rinse Zijlstra (1927–2017), Dutch politician (ARP), brother of Jelle
- Sipke Zijlstra (born 1985), Dutch racing cyclist
- Wout Zijlstra (born 1964), Dutch strongman
Zeilstra
- Bart Zeilstra (born 1982), Dutch rapper and singer known as "Baas B"
Zylstra
Notes and References
- http://www.cbgfamilienamen.nl/nfb/detail_naam.php?gba_lcnaam=zijlstra&gba_naam=Zijlstra&nfd_naam=Zijlstra%20(y)&operator=eq&taal= Zijlstra (y)
