Surname Gottowt - Meaning and Origin
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Gottowt: What does the surname Gottowt mean?
The last name Gottowt is of German origin and is derived from the word “Gott” meaning “God”. It is thought to be a variation of the surname Gottwald, which translates literally to “God’s rule” or “God’s power”.
Gottowt was the surname of a prominent German family line that included esteemed academics, social workers, and several celebrated military officers. They are best known for establishing a long line of successful aristocrats over multiple generations.
Originally, the surname was held by a small family of European nobility, and it first appeared during the 14th century. It is believed to have been passed down through the generations, most likely as a way of honoring ancestors and showing respect for their name. As time went on, more Gottowts claimed the name and it became an established fixture in German culture.
Today, the Gottowt name is shared by many and is synonymous with strength, reliability, and dedication. It’s a sentiment which has transcended through the centuries and into the modern era, embodying values of loyalty, honor, and integrity. The name Gottowt is an important part of German history and is without a doubt one of the oldest surnames in Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisGottowt: Where does the name Gottowt come from?
The surname Gottowt is commonly found in areas with a historical Prussian influence. This includes Poland, Germany, and Northern parts of Russia. This surname is also found among the Mennonite community, as some of them left Prussia in the 18th century and settled in the U.S., Canada, and South American countries.
Gottowt is a patronymic name derived from the German first name ‘Gottwald’, which means 'God's ruler'. This name brings attention to the village’s God and the importance of honoring Him in all aspects of life. The first recorded use of the surname was seen in 1503 in East Prussia.
FamilySearch, an online genealogy database, lists over 200 people with the surname Gottowt. As of 2020, the highest percentage appears in Poland, specifically a region called Pomerania. In Germany, the surname is concentrated in the west and north, especially in the German state of Lower Saxony. In Russia, the surname is found mainly in the Kaliningrad area, a region that used to be a part of Prussia.
In the United States and Canada, about 120 individuals have the last name Gottowt. The majority of them are descendants of Mennonites from Prussia who escaped religious persecution in the 18th century.
As for other countries, people with the Gottowt surname are mainly located in Central and South American countries including Brazil, Argentina, and Peru. This surname can also be found in Australia, mainly in New South Wales.
Altogether, Gottowt is a rare surname distributed in a few countries scattered around the world. However, the highest concentrations are still found in Prussia and its nearby areas.
Variations of the surname Gottowt
The Gottowt surname has many spelling and gender variants, including Gotto, Gottowtz, Gotowt, Gottolet, Gottolett, Gotolett, Gottoletz, Gottolwitz, Gottolwitzky, Gotowetz,Gettow, Gettowt, Gettowtz, Jottow, Jotto, Jottolet, Jottolwitz, Jottolwitzky, Jottow, Jottowitz, Jottowy, Jottowicz, and Jottowiczka.
Gotto and Gottolet are two of the most common variants, with Gottowtz and Gotowt often being used in Germany. Gettow and Gettowt, while not as common, are variants based on the German pronunciation of Gottowt. Jottow and Jotto are common in Poland, where the spelling is based off of Polish pronunciation. Gotolett, Gottoletz, Gottolwitz, Gottolwitzky, Jottolet, and Jottolwitz are some of the more rare variants.
The Gottowt surname originates from the German word gotot, which means possession. It was originally a sobriquet of someone with a lot of property or possessions. Over time, it became adopted as a surname by many families, resulting in a variety of spellings and regional variants.
Famous people with the name Gottowt
- Christopher Gottowt: German volleyball player and coach who represented Germany in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
- Annette Gottowt: German film director and screenwriter who has worked on article documentaries, feature films and television series.
- Robert Gottowt: German politician and Member of the European Parliament.
- Ingo Gottowt: German artist, muralist, and architectural painter best known for his large-scale contemporary landscapes.
- Maria Gottowt: German scholastic philosopher of the late 17th and early 18th centuries known for her work on religion and education..
- Wilma Gottowt: German freelance photographer, photojournalist, and documentary filmmaker who has received numerous awards.
- Herbert Gottowt: German actor, director, and professor who is best known for his performance in the television series Anna Magnani.
- Jens Gottowt: German composer, conductor, and music professor best known for his work in the genre of neoclassical music.
- Fynn Gottowt: German musician and producer who has composed music for film, theatre, and television.
- Martin Gottowt: German composer, producer, and remixer renowned for his work in electronic and indie rock music.