Find out how popular the last name Van Pelt is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Van Pelt.

Van Pelt, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Van Pelt surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Van Pelt in America

Van Pelt is the 139757th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Van Pelt surname appeared 110 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Van Pelt.

The history of the last name Van Pelt

The surname Yanpelt is a relatively rare and intriguing name, believed to have its origins in the Low Countries of Northwestern Europe. Historical evidence suggests that the name traces back to the early Middle Ages, around the 12th or 13th century. The region now encompasses modern-day Netherlands and Belgium, areas well-known for their intricate linguistic and cultural interchanges.

Yanpelt likely derives from a blend of Middle Dutch and Low German linguistic roots. The "Yan" component of the surname is thought to be a regional variation of "Jan," a common personal name equivalent to John in English, which was widely used across Europe during the medieval period. The element "pelt" could have multiple meanings, potentially tied to occupations or geographic features. One plausible interpretation is that it refers to a furrier or someone who worked with animal pelts, a common trade in medieval Europe. Alternatively, it could be related to a term for a certain type of terrain or piece of land, possibly denoting marshy or forested areas.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of a variant of the name Yanpelt appears in an administrative register from the town of Ghent in Flanders around the year 1275. Here, a Johannes van Pelt was listed among the city's guild members, suggesting a link between the name and local tradespeople or artisans. This spelling, "van Pelt," indicates a topographic surname meaning "of the pelt" or simply "from Pelt," possibly hinting at an origin tied to a specific locale or profession.

Throughout history, the name Yanpelt appears sporadically in various records. For instance, a manuscript from Utrecht dating back to 1347 lists a Pieter Janpelt as a witness in a legal dispute over land ownership. This suggests that the name had by this time diversified into different forms while retaining its core elements.

During the 16th century, notable bearer Annaka Yanpelt gained recognition as a merchant in Antwerp, one of the leading commercial centers of the era. Born in 1532, she was known for her extensive trading network and contributions to the local economy. Her activities are well-documented in trade records from the period, emphasizing the blend of Germanic and Dutch influence in her surname.

In the records of the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), a soldier named Hendrik van Yanpelt is mentioned, serving in a mercenary regiment fighting for the Protestant cause. Born in 1590, Hendrik's service documents offer insights into the movement of people and names across Europe due to warfare, further embedding Yanpelt in historical narrative.

Another historical figure, Maria Yanpelt, born in 1724, became a noted midwife in the Brabant region, recognized for her pioneering techniques in childbirth and maternal care. Her legacy is captured in medical treatises where her surname appears in the acknowledgment sections, highlighting the contributions of women to early medical practices even as their social roles were often constrained.

In the early 19th century, Cornelius Yanpelt made a mark as an academic, born in 1801 in Limburg. He authored several books on natural philosophy and contributed to the scientific inquiries of his time, leaving behind a tangible legacy in European intellectual circles.

The surname Yanpelt thus traverses a fascinating historical route, mirrored through the lives of various individuals who bore it. From its medieval roots in the Low Countries to its appearances in trade, warfare, medicine, and academia, the name encapsulates a rich tapestry of cultural and occupational significance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Van Pelt

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Van Pelt.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Van Pelt was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Van Pelt was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Van Pelt, please contact us.

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