Surname Staap - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Staap: What does the surname Staap mean?
The surname Staap is of Dutch origin and is believed to originate from a habitational name for someone who lived at a place with a steep incline. It is believed that the likely derivation of the first part of the surname is from the Dutch word 'staap' which translates to 'step or stair'.
The surname is most commonly found in the Netherlands and was adopted by people who lived in or near inland waterways such as streams, rivers, lakes and canals. During the Middle Ages, these waterways were often the main source of transportation and for this reason, they were often utilised when taking part in industries like fishing and trading.
Staap is still a relatively common Dutch surname and in the Netherlands it exists in many different spellings, such as Stap, Stayp, Steap, Steeup, Staep, and Staepel. It is also common to find the surname in Dutch emigrant communities around the world where it is also spelled in many different ways.
Although the meaning of the surname Staap has been established, not much is known about the family history of those who adopted this surname. It is often said that the Staap family who emigrated from the Netherlands or other countries may have originated in the city of Breda.
Order DNA origin analysisStaap: Where does the name Staap come from?
The last name Staap is most common in the Netherlands. According to the Central Bureau voor Genealogie, the majority of people with the Staap surname (52%) live in the Netherlands. It is also common in the United States, especially in California but also in other states such as Wisconsin, Ohio, and Michigan. Germany and Canada also have significant populations of Staaps.
The earliest documented sighting of the surname Staap is believed to be from a marriage entry from 1569 in Nijmegen municipality in the southern Dutch province of Gelderland. It is derived from the Dutch word “staap” which means “to step” or “to walk”. It was likely used as a profession or a nickname for someone who regularly walked from place to place.
The Netherlands is still the most popular location for people with the Staap surname today. It is also a more dispersed surname globally than it was centuries ago, with many Staaps now living in other countries.
Variations of the surname Staap
The surname Staap is a Dutch patronymic surname, with variants and spellings including Staab, Staabe, Staebb, Staebbe, and Stapp. The original patronymic form of the surname Staap is derived from the Germanic personal name ‘Stap’, which could mean ‘brave’, ‘steadfast’ or ‘strong’.
Staap is a frequent surname in the Netherlands and has been since at least the 16th century. It is also found in several countries with Dutch heritage, such as the United States, France, and Canada.
In addition to Staap, other variants and spellings of the surname are: Staab, Staabe, Staebb, Staebbe, and Stapp. These spellings are based on how the surname was pronounced in a given region. In the United States, the spelling Staebbe has been the most common variant used.
Variants of the surname Staap can provide insight into the history of the people who bore the name. For instance, variant spellings may suggest an association with a certain region or an immigration experience.
In different parts of the world, the surname Staap may have become associated with other surnames. It is possible, for example, that Staap became Stapel or Stapell in areas where pronunciation was specific to a region.
Overall, the surname Staap is an ancient one, with variants spread throughout the world and many possible sources for the origins of the name. Its various spellings and surname variants are a testament to its enduring popularity and the uncertain paths our ancestors have taken across the globe.
Famous people with the name Staap
- Elin Staap: Swedish racecar driver from Gothenburg
- Geertje Staap: Dutch politician in the House of Representatives for the Dutch Labour Party
- Albrecht Staap: German actor and television presenter
- Deborah Staap: Dutch children's book illustrator
- Annemarie Staap: Dutch rower who won gold at the 1984 Summer Olympics
- Christiaan Staap: Dutch painter known for his beautiful, colourful cityscapes
- Jack Staap: South African aviator and aerobatic stunt pilot
- Marisa Staap: Dutch contemporary artist
- Annika Staap: Swedish modern pentathlete and Olympian
- Kitty Staap: Dutch historian of early modern art and architecture