Surname Wittkoff - Meaning and Origin
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Wittkoff: What does the surname Wittkoff mean?
The last name Wittkoff is a Jewish surname of German origin stemming from the word "wittkopf", which translates to "wise head" or "cautious head". The name was likely taken on by a family who possessed notable wisdom or foresight that was valued among their peers. They were likely well-respected and held in high regard in their community.
The Wittkoffs were traditionally a scholarly and religious people who valued education and their faith above all else. They placed a great emphasis on learning and many of them served as teachers, rabbis and religious instructors. They were often held in high esteem in their local communities. It is also believed that some of the Wittkoffs served in positions of power in the Jewish court system during the Middle Ages, and were perhaps among the few who received this level of status.
The Wittkoffs were known to be deeply devoted to their beliefs and were well-versed in the scriptures and laws. They also often held community leadership positions and were respected figures in the area. They were also perceived as wise and patient, likely a testament to their namesake.
Today, Wittkoff families have spread across the globe, their strong religious and cultural roots still very much alive within their collective memory.
Order DNA origin analysisWittkoff: Where does the name Wittkoff come from?
The last name Wittkoff is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the northeast states such as Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and New York. According to FamilySearch, in 1890 the highest concentration of Wittkoffs was in New York State, with 69% of the population having the surname.
Today, the name is still most concentrated in these northeast states, but is also found around the country. A Family Tree DNA survey, analyzing data from 21 participants in 2015, revealed that the surname had spread to 19 locations around the Unites States, including California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
Countries outside the U.S. also have people with the Wittkoff surname. Records on Ancestry show people with the last name residing in Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. The name can also be found in other areas of the world in other countries, such as Argentina, Australia, France, Guatemala, South Africa, and Uruguay.
Ultimately, the locations with the greatest concentration of people with the Wittkoff surname remain in the U.S. northeast, specifically New York. However, the name can also be found in various locations across the globe.
Variations of the surname Wittkoff
The surname Wittkoff can also be written as Wittkoof, Wittkauf, and Wittekauf. All these variants are of the same origin.
The name Wittkoff is an occupational surname of Ashkenazic (German and Eastern European Jewish) origin that is derived from the Middle High German words “wiz”, meaning “white” and “kopf” meaning “head”. The literal translation of the name is “white head”, and it likely derives from an occupational nickname for a person who sawed or split logs for a living and would have to wear a white cloth over his head to protect him from sawdust.
The surname can also be found spelled as Wittkoff, Wittkoft, Wittkauff, Wittekauf, Witkoff, Witkoft, Witkauff, and Witkauf, all derived from the same original spelling and all having the same meaning.
There are also several distinct Shtetl surnames with similar spellings, such as Witek, Wytek or Whitk, all of which also either derive from the German word “wiz” or from a Slavic root meaning “white”.
The name Wittkoff is quite rare and today is mainly found in small numbers in Germany, Austria, Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.
Famous people with the name Wittkoff
- Craig Wittkoff: Professional Ultimate Frisbee player, Attorney, Host of the Legacy Podcast
- Sean Wittkoff: Philanthropist, Real-estate developer, Producer
- Caleb Wittkoff: Senior producer on “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah”, film editor, filmmaker
- Clifford Wittkoff: New York City Police detective
- Frank Wittkoff: Co-founder of Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County
- Matthew Wittkoff: Filmmaker and producer
- Toby Wittkoff: Model and actress
- Aaron Wittkoff: Orthopedic surgeon, philanthropist
- Scott Wittkoff: Author, real estate developer
- Jeff Wittkoff: Special effects content developer
- Gina Wittkoff: Entrepreneur, interior designer
- Jahn Wittkoff: Partner, Schechter Dokken Kanter PLLC
- Stacy Wittkoff: Artist
- Stephen J. Wittkoff: Senior Managing Director at Blackstone
- Erik Wittkoff: CEO of Heritage Home Solutions
- Tyler Wittkoff: Neurosurgeon
- David Wittkoff: Executive Chairman of DOSMO HRC
- Allyson Wittkoff: Licensed clinical social worker
- Stanley Wittkoff: Member of editorial board, Journal of Neuroscience Research
- Fritz Wittkoff: Television producer