Surname Wittkowski - Meaning and Origin
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Wittkowski: What does the surname Wittkowski mean?
The last name Wittkowski is a surname of German origin, and it is derived from the personal given name Wittko. Wittko is an ethnic German name that is a derivative of the Old High German name "Witizo", which can be translated to mean "Michael's fight". This likely refers to the Old Testament figure Michael, the angel of battle, and the name may have been given to ancestor's who demonstrated bravery and fortitude in battle.
The earliest known references to the name Wittkowski in Germany dates back to the late middle ages, when references were found in the form of the name Witkowsky. The name Wittkowski is derived from the title "Witek", which history suggests may derive from an occupation, implying that the early ancestors of the Wittkowski name were in some sort of service.
Today, Wittkowski is a fairly common surname found throughout Germany. Various sources suggest that there are approximately 5,000 people with this surname living in Germany today, suggesting that the name likely is hundreds of years old. The name was likely brought to the United States by German immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries.
In any case, the Wittkowski surname reflects the courage and bravery of their ancestors, and is a tribute to their long and storied family history.
Order DNA origin analysisWittkowski: Where does the name Wittkowski come from?
The last name Wittkowski is most prevalent in Europe, particularly in Germany. German records indicate that the surname Wittkowski was present in the region as early as the thirteenth century. According to a study conducted in 1990, the highest concentration of Wittkowski's at that time was in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein.
Other regions where Wittkowski's can be found are Prussia, Poland, Russia, and certain parts of the United States. In the United States, the name is primarily found in the Midwest, particularly in the states of Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin. This is most likely due to German immigrants who relocated to the region in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
Today, Wittkowski's are mostly found inside of Germany and neighboring countries, as well as scattered across the United States amongst those who descended from German immigrants. Recent estimates suggest that there are approximately 5,000 people bearing the name Wittkowski around the world. Therefore, though not as common as other surnames, the last name Wittkowski still exists in present day although the original use of the name remains largely unknown.
Variations of the surname Wittkowski
Wittkowski is a surname of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German word "wiz," meaning "wise." Variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include:
Wittkowsky - an alternative spelling of Wittkowski, popular in Germany and the United States.
Witkowski - a common spelling of Wittkowski, often featured in Poland.
Witt - a shortened and simplified version of Wittkowski, most popular in the United States.
Wittke - an alternate spelling of Wittkowski, featuring a similar pronunciation and meaning.
Vitkowski - an alternate spelling of Wittkowski, popular in Europe.
Viets - an abbreviated form of Wittkowski, most commonly found in the United States.
Vietzke - another spelling of Wittkowski, commonly found in Germany and the United States.
Wits - a shortened version of Wittkowski, most common in the United States.
Vetkowsky - an alternate spelling of Wittkowski, popular in Russia.
Wetting - an alternate spelling of Wittkowski, featured in Germany and the United States.
Woff - another spelling of Wittkowski, popular in Poland.
VanWitkowski - a variant based on Wittkowski, commonly found in the United States.
Vitt - another spelling of Wittkowski, popular in Europe.
Vittkowsky - an alternate spelling of Wittkowski, featured in Germany and the United States.
Wetzel - an alternate spelling of Wittkowski, popular in Germany and the United States.
Vittke - another spelling of Wittkowski, commonly found in Europe.
VanWyk - a variant based on Wittkowski, popular in the United States.
Witsky - an abbreviated form of Wittkowski, featured in the United States.
Witkuspky - an alternate spelling of Wittkowski, commonly found in Russia.
Vitke - an alternate spelling of Wittkowski, popular in Europe.
Vitsky - another spelling of Wittkowski, most commonly found in the United States.
Famous people with the name Wittkowski
- Jonas Wittkowski: Former professional football player for Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga from 2011-2016.
- Daniel Wittkowski: Professional BMX rider currently sponsored by the multinational sports brand Vans.
- Oriol Wittkowski: Spanish film director and screenwriter, primarily known for his work in short films.
- Björn Wittkowski: German former football player and manager who currently serves as the sporting director for the Austrian top-flight club SK Rapid Vienna.
- Stacey Wittkowski: American Paralympic Boccia athlete who competed in the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens, Greece, and the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, China.
- Maria Wittkowski: German Deputy Chairwoman of the Board of Management of Deutsche Bank AG.
- Jean-Marc Wittkowski: French professional basketball player who has played in both France and Belgium and was the first foreign player to sign with the French Pro A league.
- Ingo Wittkowski: German chef, restaurateur and author known for his cookbooks "The New German Cooking" and "The New Mediterranean Cooking".
- Patrick Wittkowski: Former Major league baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- Michele Wittkowski: Founder of the namesake fashion brand, Michele Wittkowski has become renowned for her bold prints and strong, confident silhouettes.