Van Rompuy is a Flemish surname that originated as a Van Rompaey variant. The root name, Van Rompaey, is a Dutch toponymic meaning "from the wide path," from Middle Dutch ruum "roomy, spacious" and pat "path." Notable BearersThe most famous bearer is Herman Achille, Count Van Rompuy (born 1947), a Belgian politician who served as Prime Minister of Belgium from 2008 to 2009 and then as the first permanent President of the European Council from 2009 to 2014. A member of the Christian Democratic and Flemish party, he was known for his conciliatory style during Belgium's political crises. After his tenure, he was ennobled with the title of count.VariantsCommon variants include Van Rompaey, Van Rompay, Van Rompa, Van Rompaye, and Van Rompu. Without the van prefix, the form Rompa occurs in Dutch naming.