Surname Wittcopp - Meaning and Origin
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Wittcopp: What does the surname Wittcopp mean?
The surname Wittcopp is of English origin and is derived from the pre-seventh century Anglo-Saxon personal name Witte. This name is composed of the pre-seventh-century Old English elements "witu," meaning "wood" and "cop," meaning "a top or summit." Thus, the original bearer of this name could have lived in a wooded area, which would have been a very common thing during this time period.
The surname Wittcopp originally referred to someone who lived on or near a hilltop in a wooded area. In addition to location, the surname may have also indicated occupational heritage, as the person may have been a woodsman, archer, bowyer, or woodturner.
As the family name spread during the Middle Ages, the spelling of Wittcopp may have been altered due to dialect and literal errors. The English language changed quickly during this time period, often eliminating old words and replacing them with new creations.
Today, the surname Wittcopp is associated with the legacy of a family with a centuries-old English origin. Although the exact meaning of the name may no longer be clear, the surname retains its original resonance with a wooded hilltop.
Order DNA origin analysisWittcopp: Where does the name Wittcopp come from?
The last name Wittcopp is commonly found in countries of the European Union, specifically in the United Kingdom and Germany. In the United Kingdom, the last name Wittcopp is scattered across the country, but is particularly concentrated in the central and southern regions. An area with a notably high population of Wittcopp families is Greater London. Similarly, in Germany, the surname is found most frequently in Bavaria and the surrounding areas. However, Wittcopp can also be traced back to other countries in Europe, such as France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The name is also prevalent in various parts of the United States, with the highest concentration of Wittcopp families being located in the states of Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Canada is another area where individuals with the Wittcopp last name can be found, particularly in the provinces of Ontario and Alberta.
In more recent times, members of this name have ventured to other corners of the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, among others. Despite this global reach, Wittcopp remains most present in the countries of the EU, where it has its roots.
Variations of the surname Wittcopp
The surname Wittcopp is believed to originate from the German language and has numerous variants in spelling. The most common variant of Wittcopp is Witcop, as well as Wickop, which is more commonly found in Europe. In addition to these, other common variants include Wyckopp, Vyckop, Vicopp, Wickopf, Wickoff, Wycop, and Wycopp. In terms of other names that may be descended from the same line as Wittcopp, a few sound-alike surnames include Vitcopp, Whitcap, Widcopp, Watkopf, and Woodcop.
The earliest known spelling of the surname is believed to be Wictopp, which was recorded in the Bavaria Landes of Germany in the 1400s. It is thought that the Wittcopp surname may have arisen from the name of the Germanic tribe known as the Jutes, which were based primarily in England in the 5th and 6th century, and was likely derived from a combination of the words for white and top.
The Wittcopp surname appears to have been quite widespread across Europe during the time of its conception. By the 16th century, the name had reached as far as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Russia. Today, the surname is still present in every country in Europe, and is extremely widespread throughout the United States. Evidence suggests that many of the Wittcopp's may be descended from German immigrants who came to the US during waves of immigration in 17th - 19th centuries.
Famous people with the name Wittcopp
- Reginald Wittcopp: former English cricketer
- Gabriel Wittcopp: professional table tennis player from Columbia
- Lydia Wittcopp: British artist, illustrator, and costume designer
- Bill Wittcopp: American football player from Ohio
- Ken Wittcopp: former American football coach
- Dick Wittcopp: former English footballer
- John Wittcopp: business executive
- Stephanie Wittcopp: Children's book author
- Justin Wittcopp: American actor
- Gnarly Wittcopp: surfboard shaper
- Rick Wittcopp: NBA referee
- Ai Yusuke Wittcopp: Japanese singer and songwriter
- Paul Wittcopp: doctor specializing in integrative and combination cancer treatments
- Fredrick Wittcopp: artist and professor
- Charlie Wittcopp: Ultimate Fighting Championship coach
- Anna Wittcopp: professional figure skater
- Martiska Wittcopp: reality television personality
- Katelyn Wittcopp: public educator and women's rights advocate
- Carle Wittcopp: jazz musician and professor
- Masao Wittcopp: manga artist