When Writing in English: How to Handle Names Starting with 'von' and 'van'

When writing in English, you often encounter names that start with the prefixes 'von' or 'van', which can be a bit tricky to format correctly. These prefixes originate from Dutch and Germanic languages and carry specific meanings and usage guidelines. This detailed guide will explore how to properly handle these names in English, ensuring you follow the correct conventions and maintain linguistic accuracy.

Understanding 'von' and 'van'

Origin and Usage

The prefixes 'von' and 'van' are common in German and Dutch surnames, but their usage follows distinct rules. 'Von' is typically a preposition in German, meaning 'of' or 'from'. In English, these prefixes are not capitalized unless they are part of a title or the name itself is capitalized.

Difference in Capitalization

In English, the prefixes 'von' and 'van' are generally lowercase unless they form part of the proper name. For instance:

Von Claptrap: Lowercase, as 'von' is not part of the name Von Claptrap: Capitalized, as 'von' is the name Vande Velde: Lowercase, as the prefix is not part of the name Van Helsing: Capitalized, as 'Van' is part of the surname

Von and Van in Different Contexts

German Usage

In German, 'von' can be used as a nobiliary particle, indicating the noble father's lineage, and is usually abbreviated to 'v.' in official documents. However, in Dutch, the prefix 'van' does not indicate nobility and is often concatenated with other parts of the name. For example:

Von Claptrap: German nobility, lowercase when used in English Vanderbilt: Dutch no noble implications, single word when used in English Van der Velden: Dutch, concatenated prefix, single or double-worded in English

Concatenation in Dutch Names

In some Dutch names, especially those of the Flemish/Belgian origin, the 'van' prefix is concatenated with the proper name. Examples include 'Vandervelde', 'Vande Velde', 'Van Halen', among others. Here are some prominent individuals with 'van' surnames:

Abraham Van Helsing: Fictional character from Bram Stoker’s Dracula Edwin van der Sar: Dutch football player Guido van Rossum: Inventor of Python, the programming language Bonnie van der Burgh: South African swimmer

Scholarly References and Examples

Referencing reliable sources such as Wikipedia can provide accurate information. For instance, nobility directories like the Almanach de Gotha often abbreviate noble 'von' to 'v.', while in Swiss surnames or in Dutch 'van', the meaning is preserved but does not indicate nobility.

Scholarly Examples

von Claptrap: German, lowercase in English Von Claptrap: Capitalized in English as a proper name Van der Velden: Dutch, presents as 'Vande Velde' or 'Van der Velden' in English

General Guidelines

Here are some general guidelines to remember:

Do not capitalize 'von' or 'van' unless they are part of a title or proper name. Check the specific context and the person's preference if you are unsure about capitalization. For concatenated names, ensure that the name flows naturally and follows English norms.

Conclusion

Proper handling of names starting with 'von' or 'van' is crucial for maintaining accuracy and respect in written English. By understanding the historical and linguistic context, you can apply the correct capitalization and ensure your writing is clear and professional.

Further Reading

For more detailed information, explore these resources:

Wikipedia - Von Wikipedia - Van (prefix) Wikipedia - Gotha (royal house)