Surname Witstock - Meaning and Origin
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Witstock: What does the surname Witstock mean?
The surname Witstock is of German origin. It is believed to be derived from a topographic name for someone who lived near a white stone. It is thought that the name emanates from the German word “wit” meaning “white” and “Stock” meaning “stone”.
Throughout history, the Witstock surname has been used in various areas within Germany. Records show that the Witstock name was present in both Prussia and Saxony, with the earliest recorded use of the name being in 1583.
The name was eventually brought to the United States by German immigrants in the 1700s. Today, the Witstock surname is still plentiful in the United States. It is particularly prevalent in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
The name Witstock is a testament to the history of German immigrants. It is an emblem of strength and courage for those who chased after a dream and traveled to a foreign land in search of new opportunities.
Order DNA origin analysisWitstock: Where does the name Witstock come from?
The last name Witstock is most commonly found in Europe today. It traces its origins back to Germany, where it is thought to have been derived from the Middle High German or Old High German word ‘wizestoc’, meaning ‘splitting wedge’. Since then, its use spread through Europe, and is now particularly popular in the Netherlands, as well as Germany. Examples of this can be seen in many Dutch given names, such as Wits, Witsen, Witsen Vanse, Witser, and Witsers.
In the United Kingdom, however, Witstock is a rather rare name, and is rarely found outside of Sussex, where it is believed to have arrived with Dutch settlers in the early 19th Century. These settlers probably adopted the surname during the period of Anglo-Dutch migration which followed the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo.
In the United States, the name Witstock is slightly more prevalent, but still relatively uncommon. It appears to have been introduced in the late 19th Century by German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania, and has since spread to various other states. Today, however, it remains a relatively uncommon name, and is rarely seen outside of the states associated with its introduction.
Variations of the surname Witstock
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Witstock are Witstocki, Wittstock, Wittstocker, Wittstocker, Witstocker, Witstocker, Wittstoker, Wittstocker, Wisstock, Wiststock, Wisstocker, Wistocker, Vistock, Vistocker, Vystock, Visteker, Wystok and Wystock.
The earliest known record of the surname Witstock dates back to the 1400s, when it was first recorded in Germany. The earliest recorded spelling of the name was in the form of "Wittstock" which is derived from the Middle High German word "witte," meaning "wood" or "forest". This is because the family originated from a heavily wooded region, likely in Germany. Over time, the spelling evolved from Wittstock to Wystok, Vystock and then finally to Witstock.
Witstock is an occupational surname that was often used to denote a person who worked at a mill that was surrounded by thick forest or woods. It eventually spread throughout northern Europe and is particularly common in Germany, the Netherlands and Poland, though it can be found in other countries where records have been kept.
The variants and spellings of Witstock include Witstocker, Wittstock, Wittstocker, Wittstocker, Wisstock, Wiststock, Wisstocker, Vistock, Vystock, Visteker, Wystok and Wystock. Moreover, the surname is sometimes Anglicized to Woodstock, Vistock or Vistocker. While the surname has its roots in Germany, its variants can be found throughout Europe and around the world.
Famous people with the name Witstock
- Meredith Witstock, American actress
- Richard Witstock, American actor
- Ruth Witstock, American actress
- Joe Witstock, American painter
- David Witstock, American singer
- Paul Witstock, American composer
- Leonard Witstock, American sculptor
- Nate Witstock, American filmmaker
- Christopher Witstock, British actor
- David Witstock, American photojournalist
- Brian Witstock, Australian illustrator
- Warren Witstock, Canadian fashion designer
- Janet Witstock, Canadian television producer
- Scott Witstock, Canadian production designer
- Adam Witstock, Irish singer songwriter
- Rosemarie Witstock, Austrian photographer
- Gill Witstock, British fundraiser
- Alan Witstock, South African comedian
- Murray Witstock, Jewish-South African rabbi
- Reuven Witstock, Israeli artist and sculptor