Summary

Surname VANMETER is of Dutch origin and dates back to the late Middle Ages. It is derived from the Dutch word 'van meter' meaning 'from the meter'. The surname may have originally indicated a person who lived near a measuring device or worked as a surveyor. Over time, it spread to other countries through migration and colonization.
There are
8305
Vanmeters in the USA
Vanmeter is the
4281st
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Vanmeter

PeterVan

Peter Van Meter was an early American pioneer and explorer who played a significant role in the settlement of Kentucky and Ohio in the late 18th century.

JohnVan

John Van Meter was an American politician and lawyer who served as a U.S. Congressman from West Virginia in the late 19th century.

BridgetVanMeter

Bridget VanMeter is a contemporary American artist known for her vibrant and abstract paintings inspired by nature and emotions.

TomVanMeter

Tom VanMeter is a prominent figure in the horse racing industry, known for his success as a thoroughbred racehorse owner and breeder.

ElizabethVanMeter

Elizabeth VanMeter is a Broadway actress known for her performances in musicals like 'Hamilton' and 'West Side Story.'

GeorgeVanMeter

George VanMeter was a World War II veteran and recipient of the Medal of Honor for his bravery and leadership during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

SarahVanMeter

Sarah VanMeter is a renowned chef and restaurateur, known for her innovative approach to Southern cuisine and her popular farm-to-table restaurant.

WilliamVan

William Van Meter is an American documentary filmmaker known for his thought-provoking films that explore social and cultural issues.

EmilyVanMeter

Emily VanMeter is a professional golfer who has competed in various national and international tournaments, achieving notable success in her career.

DavidVan

David VanMeter is a respected professor of architecture, known for his expertise in sustainable design and his contributions to the field.

Vanmeter Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Vanmeter' is of Dutch origin and is a variant of the Dutch surname 'Van Metre,' meaning 'from the measure' or 'from the boundary.' It likely referred to someone who lived near a boundary or landmark.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Vanmeter' is primarily found in the United States, particularly in states such as West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, where early Dutch settlers and their descendants established communities.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Vanmeter' include 'Van Metre,' 'Van Mert,' and 'Van Maetre.'
Migration and ImmigrationDutch immigrants with the surname 'Vanmeter' arrived in the United States during the colonial period and later during the westward expansion in the 18th and 19th centuries. They settled primarily in regions where opportunities for agriculture and trade were abundant.