Visser

Visser is a Dutch occupational surname meaning "fisherman." It originated in the Netherlands, where fishing has been a vital industry for centuries. The name is derived from the Dutch word "visser" or "visscher," both referring to someone who catches fish for a living.

Geographical Distribution

As of 2014, Visser was particularly common in South Africa (43.7% of bearers), the Netherlands (39.3%), the United States, Mozambique, Canada, Australia, and Germany. In the Netherlands, the highest frequencies were in Friesland, Flevoland, Groningen, North Holland, and South Holland, reflecting the country's strong maritime heritage.

Variants

Common variants include Visscher, De Visser, and Vissers. The name corresponds to surnames in other languages, such as Danish Fisker, German Fischer, and English Fisher (also used in other cultures).

Notable Bearers

Notable individuals with the surname Visser include South African cricketer Grant Visser, Dutch footballer Joost Visser, and Dutch actress Monique van de Ven (birth name Monique van der Ven, but her foster family name was Visser).

• Meaning: Fisherman
• Origin: Dutch
• Type: Occupational surname
• Regions: Netherlands, South Africa, parts of the United States and Canada