Surname Withohn - Meaning and Origin

Withohn: What does the surname Withohn mean?

The last name Withohn is of German origin, originally derived from the personal name “Wintho”. The first known recorded use of this name is from Ulricus Withon, of Hagenau in Alsace, France, in 1394.

In Germany, the name Withohn has usually been a status name for a family with wealth or land. In the later Middle Ages, the name Wintho was given to owners of wealthy farms, usually located in the river valleys of Germany, as well as to people who inherited rights to high-rented properties. It can also be found occasionally as a topographical name, apparently derived from physical features like a bend in the river. Many of these individuals can be traced back to the thirteenth century and were probably originally descendents of a Frankish family.

The surname Withohn has also taken a variety of spelling variations, found in all periods of time. Popular spellings include Wuthon, Withen, Wiuthon, Witten and Vithon. The surname has spread to many countries, though the largest concentration of Withohn today can be found in Germany.

Overall, Withohn is a surname indicative of power, wealth or land ownership and connected to an old medieval family with Frankish origins. With its varieties in spelling, each family who bears the last name can feel connected to these proud origins, even if they live in a different country or have needed to adapt the spelling.

Withohn: Where does the name Withohn come from?

The last name Withohn is most common today in parts of Germany, especially in the southern provinces of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. It is also found in Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Switzerland. Outside of Europe, Withohn is found mostly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In Germany, the name Withohn is thought to have originated in the 12th century. It is believed that "von" (German for “of” or “from”) was added to the family name to denote that the family was of nobility or of some importance. Records indicate that its first known usage was in the Bavarian court of the Lord of Weiher in around 1240 AD.

Within the US specifically, German immigrants in the 1700s brought the Withohn name with them, primarily settling in Pennsylvania and the surrounding mid-Atlantic states. By the beginning of the 19th century, the name had spread further west to states like Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin, and further the century the Withohns had spread across the entire country.

Today, the Withohn name is still fairly common in both German speaking regions and in the US, though it can be difficult to trace its exact history. As with any name, its usage and significance likely varies from one Withohn family to the next.

Variations of the surname Withohn

The surname Withohn is believed to have originated from an old Anglo-Saxon given name with the elements "Wig" or "Wyg" meaning battle, and "helm" (helmet) meaning protection. The variants, spellings, and surnames of Withohn, include:

Wighton: This surname is derived from Wig-ton which literally means Wig's town.

Wytheon: This is a variation on the Withohn surname and is thought to be derived from the Old English "wigheom" which means brave warrior.

Widdon: This variation of the Withohn surname likely comes from a place name derived from a combination of "widges" meaning strong and "dun" meaning hill.

Witton: This spelling of the surname is believed to have originated from the Anglo-Saxon name Wig-tun, meaning Wig's town.

Whitton: This is a variation of the Witton surname and is thought to have come from the Old English word "wig-tun" which also translates to town of a brave warrior.

Witham: This is the modern spelling of the Withohn surname and is believed to have derived from the Old English "wíthhelm" meaning battle helmet.

Widam: This is a variation of the Witham surname and is likely derived from Old English "wig-dom" meaning fortification or stronghold.

Wytheman: This is a variation of the Withohn surname and is believed to have come from Old English word "wigheom" meaning brave warrior.

Widdman: This variation of the Withohn surname is likely derived from Old English "widges" and "mann" meaning man.

Famous people with the name Withohn

• Christopher Withers: Actor known for his roles in popular British TV series such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale
• John Witherspoon: American actor, comedian, and filmmaker
• Philip Withers: English cricketer
• Brian Withenshaw: English composer and musician
• Richard Withers: British film and television producer
• Alan Withers: British cyclist
• Bill Withers: American singer-songwriter and musician
• Mark Withersworth: British author, educator and speaker
• Christopher Witherson: Australian writer, actor and director
• Wilbur Witherssen: American football player and coach

Other surnames

WithoeftWithöft