There are
2514
Terpstras in the USA
Terpstra is the
12370th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Terpstra

WimTerpstra

Wim Terpstra was a Dutch politician and member of the Christian Democratic Appeal party. He served as the State Secretary for Education and Science in the Netherlands from 1982 to 1990.

TjeerdTerpstra

Tjeerd Terpstra is a Dutch retired professional cyclist from the 1970s and 1980s. He won multiple national titles and represented the Netherlands in international cycling competitions.

MartenTerpstra

Marten Terpstra is a Dutch politician who served as the State Secretary for Internal Affairs in the Netherlands from 2002 to 2007. He was a member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy.

EvelynTerpstra

Evelyn Terpstra is a Dutch politician and member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy. She has served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Netherlands since 2010.

HennyTerpstra

Henny Terpstra is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He had a successful career with several Dutch clubs, including Ajax and Feyenoord.

GerritTerpstra

Gerrit Terpstra is a Dutch water polo player who won multiple national and international titles. He represented the Netherlands in several Olympic Games and European Championships.

DickTerpstra

Dick Terpstra is a Dutch former professional road cyclist. He competed in multiple Grand Tours and won several stages in prestigious races throughout his career.

WillemTerpstra

Willem Terpstra is a Dutch writer and journalist. He has written several books, including 'Fierce Arrow' and 'Cry of the Steppes,' which explore historical and cultural topics.

PetraTerpstra

Petra Terpstra is a Dutch former professional speed skater. She specialized in sprint distances and achieved success in national and international competitions during her career.

RenzeTerpstra

Renze Terpstra is a Dutch former professional speed skater. He competed in various international competitions and achieved podium finishes in World Championships and European Championships.

Terpstra Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Terpstra' is of Frisian origin and is derived from the word 'terp,' which means a manmade mound or dwelling built as protection against flooding. 'Stra' is a common suffix in Frisian surnames and means 'street' or 'path,' suggesting a possible geographic or occupational origin.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Terpstra' is most commonly found in the Netherlands, particularly in the province of Friesland where the Frisian language and culture are prominent. There are also smaller concentrations of Terpstras in other parts of the Netherlands and in Dutch immigrant communities around the world.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Terpstra' include 'Terpma' and 'Terpstra-Bax.' These variations may reflect different regional dialects or family branches within the Terpstra lineage.
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Terpstra' has primarily remained within Dutch-speaking communities, with relatively less migration or immigration compared to more widely dispersed surnames. However, individuals with the name Terpstra may have migrated within the Netherlands or emigrated to other countries for various reasons such as employment, education, or family ties.