Discover people named Annemarie Houtman

The last name Houtman has Dutch origins, primarily associated with the Netherlands, particularly in the regions of North Holland and Zeeland. The name is derived from the Middle Dutch words "hout," meaning "wood," and "man," which translates to "man" or "person," suggesting a meaning akin to "woodman" or "forester." This indicates that the original bearers of the name may have been involved in occupations related to forestry or woodcutting, reflecting the importance of timber in the local economy. Variations of the surname can be found in different cultures, such as "Houtmann" or "Houtmanne," which may appear in German-speaking regions, reflecting the name's adaptation to local languages and dialects. The surname is relatively uncommon outside of the Netherlands, but it has been carried by notable individuals, including the Dutch explorer and navigator François Houtman, who played a significant role in the early Dutch explorations of the East Indies in the late 16th century. Overall, the surname Houtman encapsulates a connection to nature and the historical livelihoods of its bearers.