From Middle Dutch Vlander, from a Germanic root meaning "waterlogged", referring to the marshy landscape of Flanders. This is the name of the northern portion of Belgium.

The Flanders surname derives from geographical locations in England during the Middle Ages. The surname appeared as early as the 8th century and was used to describe an immigrant from the Low Countries, i.e. “of Flanders”. The Low Countries constitute the present day Netherlands and Belgium.

Recorded in a wide variety of spellings including: Flander, Flanders, Flaunders, Flenders, Flinders and Flounders, this is an English surname, but of medieval continental origins. It originates from the former state and province of Flanders now part of Belgium and France, and as such describes a person who left Flanders and came to Britain.

from Old English Flæming "native or inhabitant of Flanders," from Old Dutch Vlaemingh, Old Frisian Fleming, both from Proto-Germanic *Flam- (see Flanders).