EtymologyVan Dijk is a Dutch toponymic surname meaning "from the dike." The name derives from the Dutch word dijk (also written dyk or dyck), referring to an earthen embankment or levee. As a feudal or locational surname, it originally denoted someone who lived near or had a connection with a dike. The prefix van indicates geographical origin, similar to German von or French de.Distribution and VariantsIn 2007, Van Dijk was the fifth most common surname in the Netherlands, borne by 56,441 individuals. Abroad, the ij digraph is often simplified to y, leading to forms such as Van Dyck (Flemish) and Van Dyke. Related Frisian surnames include Dijkstra and Dykstra, which use the -stra suffix (from a [citation needed] meaning "from/near" implying origin similar to -stratte or -wijk. see onomastic origins typical in Northern Netherlands.Notable BearersThe surname is widely represented in sports and entertainment. Notable Dutch soccer players include Virgil van Dijk (born 1991), defender for Liverpool and the Netherlands; Arjan van Dijk (born 1987); and Dick van Dijk (1946–1997). Other athletes are cyclist Daan van Dijk, swimmer Edith van Dijk (born 1973), and judoka Bryan van Dijk. In the arts, choreographer Anouk van Dijk, film producer Cilia van Dijk, actor Doutzen Kroes's alias? Actually singer Bill van Dijk, and controversial WWII figure Ans van Dijk (1905–1948), a Nazi collaborator, also bear the name. Political notable Diederik van Dijk (born 1971) and darts player Dick van Dijk show diversity beyond sports.