Show ContentsBouwmeester History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Bouwmeester is derived from the Middle High German word "bur," meaning 'a small dwelling or building'. The word came to mean 'neighbor' or 'fellow citizen.' Alternatively, the word "boer" could have been derived from the Dutch word for 'farmer.' The prefix "de" denotes 'of' or 'the' and was often used to confirm a clan-like relationship in the family.

Early Origins of the Bouwmeester family

The surname Bouwmeester was first found in the Netherlands.

Early History of the Bouwmeester family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bouwmeester research. The years 1908 and 1970 are included under the topic Early Bouwmeester History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bouwmeester Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: DeBeor, Debeer, De Beer, De Boer and others.

Early Notables of the Bouwmeester family

More information is included under the topic Early Bouwmeester Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bouwmeester Ranking

In Netherlands, the name Bouwmeester is the 283rd most popular surname with an estimated 5,125 people with that name. 1


United States Bouwmeester migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Bouwmeester Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Bastion Bouwmeester, aged 42, who arrived in America, in 1921
  • Marinus H. Bouwmeester, aged 19, who arrived in America, in 1921
  • Meta Bouwmeester, aged 12, who arrived in America from Hoogeveen, Holland, in 1924
  • Hendrik Bouwmeester, aged 3, who arrived in America from Hoogeveen, Holland, in 1924
  • Jentje Bouwmeester, aged 38, who arrived in America from Hoogeveen, Holland, in 1924

Contemporary Notables of the name Bouwmeester (post 1700) +

  • Dirk "Dik" Bouwmeester (b. 1967), Dutch experimental physicist specializing in quantum optics and quantum information, awarded the 2014 Spinoza prize
  • Lea Theodora Bouwmeester (b. 1979), Dutch politician
  • Marit Bouwmeester (b. 1988), Dutch gold and two-time silver medalist sailor
  • Lily Geertruida Maria Henriëtte Bouwmeester (1901-1993), Dutch theater and film actress
  • Frans Bouwmeester (b. 1940), retired Dutch footballer who played from 1956 to 1971, member of the Netherlands National Team (1959-1968)
  • Jay Daniel Bouwmeester (b. 1983), Canadian professional NHL ice hockey defenceman playing for the St. Louis Blues


The Bouwmeester Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Pro Deo, Rege et Patria
Motto Translation: For our God, our King, and country.


  1. "Most Common Last Names in Netherlands." Forebears, https://forebears.io/netherlands/surnames


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