<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (April 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (April 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> 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 . </P> <P> 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 . </P>

What does von in front of a german name mean