Van der Lee

Van der Lee is a Dutch toponymic surname meaning "from the canal." The name derives from the Dutch word lee (also lede or lei), which refers to a canal or ditch, ultimately from leiden ("to lead"). The city of Leiden also owes its name to such a canal.

The surname is characteristic of families with origins in up to six different places in the Netherlands. Variants include Van Der Leij, Van der Leede, and Van der Lede(n). In Brazil, the name was introduced in 1637 by the Dutch cavalry captain Gaspar van Niehof van der Leij, giving rise to the Portuguese forms Vanderlei and Wanderley, which are now also used as given names.

Notable bearers include Dutch judoka Monique van der Lee (born 1973) and Dutch politician Tom van der Lee (born 1964). Other figures include Belgian singer Chantal Vanlee (stage name Dana Winner) and 17th-century Dutch stage actor and dancer Susanna van Lee.

Key facts

• Meaning: "from the canal"
• Origin: Dutch
• Type: Toponymic surname
• Primary regions: Netherlands, Brazil (as Vanderlei/Wanderley)