Surname De Witt - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
De Witt: What does the surname De Witt mean?
The last name De Witt is of Dutch origin and it literally means "The White". This surname likely emerged during the Middle Ages in the Netherlands and is possibly a nickname referring to someone’s hair color, complexion, or clothing. It might have been used to distinguish individuals in areas where a common personal name was popular in order to differentiate among people beyond their first names. It also could have been an identifier for an individual who habitually wore white clothes, like a clergyman. In some cases, it might relate to purity or perhaps even winter weather events. Today, it's found widely in various countries due to migration and diaspora. It's quite prominent in the United States as well as the Netherlands, the country of its origin. Notable people with this name include Johan De Witt, a key political figure in the Dutch Golden Age during the 17th century.
Order DNA origin analysisDe Witt: Where does the name De Witt come from?
The surname De Witt is of Dutch origin, derived from a nickname for a smart or wise person, from the Dutch "de witte", meaning "the white". This could possibly refer to someone with white or fair hair, or perhaps for someone known for dressing in white or pale clothes.
In the 17th century, the Dutch Republic was ruled by two politicians, Johan de Witt and his brother Cornelis, who bore this surname. Hence, the surname can be traced back to those influential figures in Dutch history.
Today, the name remains common in the Netherlands. It is also seen in countries with significant Dutch immigrant populations such as the United States, Canada, and South Africa. However, in these countries, the name may have variations in spelling such as DeWitt, Dewitt, or even De Witt. On a lesser scale, it might also be found in Belgium due to its proximity and historical ties with the Netherlands. It's worth noting that there may be people with the De Witt surname who are not of Dutch descent, as surnames can change for many reasons including anglicization, translation, or adoption.
Variations of the surname De Witt
The surname De Witt is of Dutch origin, first used in the Netherlands. This surname can be found in various spellings due to migration and anglicization. Some of the common variants of De Witt include DeWitt, Dewitt, De Witts, De-Witt, Witt, Dwitt, Witts, Dewett, DeWette, and Dewitte.
In some cases, prefixes might be dropped or incorporated into a single word leading to able to Dewitt. The surname could also be written with a space in between the prefix and rest of the name, making it De Witt. Another common variant is Witt, where the Dutch prefix 'De' is completely eliminated. In other contexts, versions with an extra 's' at the end, such as De Witts or Witts, might be used as well. Also, note that the capitalization may vary, leading to versions like DEWITT or dewitt.
Some families may have altered the surname for different reasons over time, expanding the list of possible variants. However, the variations mentioned are the most common and widely recognized for the surname of De Witt. Each variation has the same roots and thus, comes from the same surname lineage.
Famous people with the name De Witt
- Balthasar de Witt: Author known for 'Sa majestés britanniques, le Prince de Galles, George Auguste'
- Johannes de Witt: A Dutch politician and leader of the Dutch Republic in 17th Century.
- Johan De Witt: A mathematician and politician in the General Assembly of the United Provinces of the Netherlands.
- Jan Martinus de Witt: A Dutch astronomer and mathematician.
- Anna De Witt: Actress famous for her roles in 'The Film-Maker's Son (2013)' and 'The Absence of Anyone Else (2008)'.
- Barbara de Witt: A German actress celebrated for her roles in the movies 'Berliner Antigone' and 'Touch the Stars'.
- Sir Andries de Witt: An ancient British Royal who was a Knight and a cousin to Queen Elizabeth I.
- Cecilie Thomsen (also known as Cecilie De Witt): A Danish actress best known for her role in James Bond movie: Tomorrow Never Dies.
- Jared DeWitt: A former professional athlete and now a successful American entrepreneur.
- Barent DeWitt: A revolutionary war hero who fought for the freedom of early Americans. Please note that the spelling of the surname varies but they have the same pronunciation and historical Dutch origin.