What is "zijlstra"

Zijlstra is a West Frisian toponymic surname meaning "from the Zijl", a Middle Dutch name for a waterway. The suffix "-stra" is derived from old Germanic -sater, meaning sitter or dweller. It may refer to:

• Auke Zijlstra (born 1964), Dutch politician (PVV)
• Carla Zijlstra (born 1969), Dutch speed skater
• Halbe Zijlstra (born 1969), Dutch politician (VVD)
• Hieke Zijlstra (born 1981), Dutch footballer
• Jelle Zijlstra (1918–2001), Dutch politician (ARP), economist and banker
• :nl:Jeroen Zijlstra (born 1958), Dutch musician
• Kees Zijlstra (1931–2013), Dutch politician (PvdA) and civil servant
• Martin Zijlstra (1944–2014), Dutch politician (PvdA)
• :de:Sipke Zijlstra (born 1985), Dutch racing cyclist
• Wout Zijlstra (born 1964), Dutch strongman