Surname von Wittkowsky - Meaning and Origin
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von Wittkowsky: What does the surname von Wittkowsky mean?
The last name Von Wittkowsky is of German origin and is a variant of the surname Wittkowski. It is a habitational name given to those from any of the numerous places called Wittkowsky found in Germany and Poland. These places are believed to have derived its name from Old German "witti" meaning “white” and “kove” meaning “bend” or “curve,” and therefore, “white bend” or “white curve.”
The surname Von Wittkowsky is believed to have been first found in the old state of Prussia where they were an ancient family of great distinction, with many distinguished branches throughout Prussia. The earliest family here was found in Pomerania near Konigsberg and also in Thuringen, Saxony, and Holstein, where branches of the family held a family seat.
The name Von Wittkowsky is indicative of ancestral nobility, indicating the family held a prominent position in the feudal system of the 16th century. Over time, the name evolved, but the Von designation was retained by several branches, indicating a certain level of social standing, cultural sophistication, and acceptance within a given family.
Examples of bearers of the name can be found with Johannes Nicolas Wittkowsky who was a son of Joel Wittkowsky and Marie Niemann who married on 21 May 1745 in Bremen, Germany. Johannes was born on 21 Feb 1750 in Lavelsloh, Niedersachsen, Germany and died in Escanaba, Delta County, Michigan on 13 August 1835.
The name Von Wittkowsky has come to be known for its strong ties to Germany, its connection to the old feudal systems, and its implication of refined culture, tradition, and legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisvon Wittkowsky: Where does the name von Wittkowsky come from?
The last name von Wittkowsky is highly unusual but is most common in Germany today. It is thought to have originated in the 15th century, and to have been borne by the Wittkowsky family, a powerful noble family who owned extensive estates in the Silesian region.
More recently, the surname has been closely associated with the von Wittkowsky family, who were rulers in the Prussian province of West Prussia until the end of World War I. They were a powerful and influential family, with many connections to the military. It was Karl Eduard Ludwig von Wittkowsky who is thought to be the originator of the surname.
Today, the surname is most prevalent in Germany, in the states of Berlin, Brandenburg and Lower Saxony. It is also found in several other countries including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Despite its ‘von’ origins, it has been adapted and used as a surname by many people who are not related to the Wittkowsky family.
In all, the von Wittkowsky name is a highly unusual family name, but those who bear it are still an intricate part of the story of Prussian history and are scattered across many countries.
Variations of the surname von Wittkowsky
The von Wittkowsky surname is a patronymic German surname, derived from the personal name of the father of the initial bearer. The origin of the von Wittkowsky surname is likely died from the Middle High German term “witeke”, which was used as a personal name. The bynames von (“of”), as well as Wend and Wütten, are all indicating a place of origin.
Variant spelling of the von Wittkowsky surname can include Von Wittkowski, Wittkowsky, Wittkowski, Wittkowski, Wittkowski, Vittkowski, Wittkouse and Vittkous. In some cases, the surname may have a slight change in spelling due to dialectical differences in foreign countries, such as the English-speaking ones, where the spelling could be Whitkowski instead of Wittkowski.
Surnames of the same origin as von Wittkowsky include elements such as Witzel, Wittebort, Wittelsberger, Wittelsohn, Wotzeck and Wittkopf. These surnames are all derived from the Middle High German “witeke” personal name.
Ultimately, the von Wittkowsky surname is an example of a patronymic German surname, derived from the personal name of the father of the initial bearer. This surname is found in many variants, with slight spelling changes in some cases due to dialectical differences between countries. Surnames of the same origin as von Wittkowsky include elements such as Witzel, Wittebort, Wittelsberger, Wittelsohn, Wotzeck and Wittkopf.
Famous people with the name von Wittkowsky
- Christopher von Wittkowsky (German equestrian and coach of dressage)
- Georg von Wittkowsky (German publisher, politician and composer)
- Jakob von Wittkowsky (German architect and city planner)
- Matthias von Wittkowsky (German entrepreneur and philanthropist)
- Otto von Wittkowsky (German literary scholar and historical novelist)
- Reinhard von Wittkowsky (German composer and musical director)
- Magnus von Wittkowsky (German producer and songwriter)
- Renata von Wittkowsky (German soprano and mezzo-soprano singer)
- Rüdiger von Wittkowsky (German actor and director)
- Wilhelm von Wittkowsky (German banker and military person)