 Dirk Willems was a notable resident, as a sixteenth-century martyred Anabaptist - most famous for his act, after escaping from prison, of turning around to rescue his pursuer, who had fallen through thin ice while chasing Willems.This resulted in Willems being recaptured, then tortured and killed for his faith.A number of family surnames and variations originate from this place name, such as Van Asperen, Asperenn, Asperenns, Asperens, Asperene, Asperenes, Asper, Asperren, Aspperen and Aspperens.