Van Ankeren is a Dutch toponymic surname meaning "from the anchor", derived from the phrase van den anker ("from the anchor"). The name likely originated as a habitational name for someone who lived near a house or inn bearing the sign of an anchor, or potentially from a location called Den Anker. In Dutch surname traditions, the prefix van often indicates a geographical origin, though it does not always denote nobility. Notable Bearers The most prominent bearer is Edwin van Ankeren (born 1968), a Dutch retired footballer who played as a striker. A journeyman, Van Ankeren had a varied career across clubs in the Netherlands, Italy, France, Norway, and Belgium, achieving his greatest success with Belgian teams. He notably played for PSV Eindhoven and later for Eendracht Aalst in Belgium. After a brief stint with Italian side Viterbese (which ended in 2001 due to wage disputes), he returned to the Netherlands in 2005 to play for FC Omniworld. Additionally, he earned one cap for the Netherlands U18 team against Sweden in 1986. Post-playing, Van Ankeren worked as a player-assistant coach at Norwegian lower league club Tollnes BK and later entered managerial roles. Distribution and Variants The surname Van Ankeren is rare, concentrated in the Netherlands and among diaspora communities in Belgium and other parts of Europe. Related Dutch surnames with the van prefix, such as Van Den Anker ("from the anchor") or similar toponymics like Ankersmit ("anchor's hammer"), share the same root element anker ("anchor"). No significant variant spellings are recorded. Meaning: Of the anchor / from the anchor Origin: Dutch toponymic surname Type: Habitational, likely referencing an inn or house sign Usage regions: Netherlands, Belgium