Houtman or De Houtman is a Dutch surname derived from the elements hout "wood" and man "man", making it a cognate of the German name Holzmann. The name may be either toponymic, referring to someone from the woods, or occupational, denoting a lumberjack, carpenter, or forester. Etymology and Origins The surname Houtman parallels the German Holzmann, both sharing the same literal meaning: "woodman." Variant forms include Holtman. The name likely emerged in the Low Countries during the Middle Ages as settlement names or descriptions of one's trade. Notable Bearers Several prominent individuals bear the Houtman surname, particularly from the Dutch Golden Age of exploration: Cornelis de Houtman (1565–1599), a Dutch explorer who led the first Dutch expedition to the East Indies, opening a new sea route from Europe to Indonesia. Frederick de Houtman (1571–1627), younger brother of Cornelis, also an explorer who sailed along the western coast of Australia and charted parts of the Indian Ocean. Jan Houtman (1917–1944), a Dutch resistance member executed during World War II. Peter Houtman (born 1957), a Dutch football striker who played for Feyenoord. Rinus Houtman (born 1942), a Dutch Reformed Political Party politician. Marques Houtman (born 1979), Cape Verdean American basketball point guard. Cultural and Geographical Legacy The name Houtman has been memorialized in several geographical features, particularly the Houtman Abrolhos, an island chain off the western coast of Australia named after Frederick de Houtman. Also, the main-belt asteroid 10650 Houtman was named in honor of Cornelis de Houtman.