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Von

Von [fɔn] is a term used in German language surnames either as a nobiliary particle indicating a noble patrilineality or as a simple preposition that approximately means of or from in the case of commoners. Nobility directories like Almanach de Gotha often abbreviate noble von to v. In medieval or early modern names the von particle was at times added to commoners' names; thus, "Hans von Duisburg" meant Hans from [the city of] Duisburg. This meaning is preserved in Swiss surnames or in the Dutch or Afrikaans van, which is a cognate of von but does not indicate nobility. more »