What is the origin of Nootbaar?

Question

I have evidence that one of my distant, but direct relatives married a Nootbaar. I am curious to the origins of this surname.

Answer 1

It's actually a Flemish name (the formerly Dutch part of Belgium). The alternative spelling on it is Notebaert (the "t" at the end is silent like in French). Belgium is a hard country to research in because NOTHING is centralized. You literally have to find their hometown to find their records. But you can get quite a start if you go to the passenger records from Antwerp, Le Havre, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Some are published in the book "Dutch to America". Others are published online at http://www.castlegarden.org and http://www.ellisisland.org If you have a paid subscription to Ancestry.com, you can also find images online there.

Answer 2

The previous answer of Dutch was my first guess; however, I'm not so sure it is the Netherlands.  I checked the Dutch archives site which is www.genlias.nl and wasn't able to pull up anybody carrying the surname Nootbaar.  However, Noot is the Dutch word for Note and Baar is the Dutch word for bar.  With the literal translation of "Note Bar" one has to wonder if it is a surname derived from the occupation of musician.

Answer 3

Not for sure, but I'd guess the Netherlands. They're big on those double aa in names and other words.

Answer 4

The early census shows immigrants with this interesting name came from Germany.

Did your early ancestor settle in Illinois or Iowa?