Sometimes it is possible to guess where a surname originated through surname distribution maps. These maps graphically display locations where surnames occurred at different periods in time. This strategy provides genealogists with a starting point for research in the birth country, when that information cannot be discovered through sources recorded in the new country of settlement. It works particularly well for less-common surnames and among families that have stayed in the same European locations for centuries. See FamilySearch Surname Distribution Maps (Worldwide links):- https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Surname_Distribution_Maps
Below are some examples from Meertens Institute; for Van Someren, Van Zomeren surname distribution in The Netherlands.
Van Someren surname distribution for 954 persons in the Netherlands in 2007. |
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Van Zomeren surname distribution for 999 persons in the Netherlands in 2007. |
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Sources [naamsvermeldingen en literatuurreferenties]:
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Van Seumeren surname distribution for 179 persons in the Netherlands in 2007. |
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Sources [naamsvermeldingen en literatuurreferenties]:
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Van Sommeren surname distribution for 999 persons in the Netherlands in 2007. |
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Sources [naamsvermeldingen en literatuurreferenties]:
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Van Soomeren surname distribution for 87 persons in the Netherlands in 2007. |
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Sources [naamsvermeldingen en literatuurreferenties]: - |
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Van Summeren surname distribution for 847 persons in the Netherlands in 2007. |
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Sources [naamsvermeldingen en literatuurreferenties]:
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Van Zeumeren surname distribution for 96 persons in the Netherlands in 2007. |
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Sources [naamsvermeldingen en literatuurreferenties]: - |
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Van Zummeren surname distribution for 92 persons in the Netherlands in 2007. |
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Sources [naamsvermeldingen en literatuurreferenties]: - |
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Find the geographical distribution of your surname in Austria, Germany, The Netherlands or Switzerland by clicking one of these links:
Geogen is the short form for "geographical genealogy" which means location based ancestor research. On this website you can create maps which show the distribution of surnames in Germany and Austria. Significant concentrations can point to a local root of the family or of the family name: http://christoph.stoepel.net/geogen/en/Default.aspx
Verwandt: http://www.verwandt.de/karten/
Genevolu: http://www.gen-evolu.de/
Meertens Instituut: http://www.meertens.knaw.nl/nfb/index.php?taal=eng
FamilySearch Surname Distribution Maps (Worldwide links):- https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Surname_Distribution_Maps