Surname Wittlich - Meaning and Origin
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Wittlich: What does the surname Wittlich mean?
The last name Wittlich is of German origin, and is believed to have originated from the Middle High German personal name ‘Witzold’ or ‘Wigel’ (meaning witty). The name could also have derived from the Middle High German word ‘wihtlich’, which translates to ‘daring’ or ‘audacious’. The earliest known recordings of the name were in Germany in the 14th Century, with a Johannes Wigolt being recorded as a Priest in Cologne in 1389.
The Wittlich name is likely to have been a locational name, that is, it was given to people who travelled from certain areas or who lived in a certain place. This has likely come from the German town of Wittlich which is very close to the borders of modern Belgium and Luxembourg. The earliest recorded spelling of the last name was Wigoltus in 1380, and other variations of the name include Witlich, Wielich, Widlich and Witello.
The Wittlichs were originally considered to be noble families and were registered in nobility in Westphalia in 1598. Today the name is widespread across the central and Western regions of Germany, with there also being occurrences of the name further afield, such as in Austria, Hungary and even in the United States. Overall, the last name ‘Wittlich’ is thought to refer to fine character, bravery and wit.
Order DNA origin analysisWittlich: Where does the name Wittlich come from?
Wittlich is a surname found primarily throughout Germany, with the majority of current bearers living in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Schleswig-Holstein. It is less common in Austria, Switzerland and other German-speaking regions. It is also found scattered throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.
The earliest known mention of the surname appears in the 12th century in the Upper Saxon town of Wittlich. Many families have passed down traditions surrounding their origin in the area, linking the name to the nearby river, the River Stillbach, and the surrounding hills.
Today, Wittlich is a recognizable surname within Germany, but its presence in other countries is more widespread than it was in the early years. In the U.S., based on census data, the surname is .13% of the population. This isn’t a high amount, but is indicative of its recent presence in these countries. Those with the surname are primarily German-Americans, descended from immigrants who used the name in their new homeland.
Today, the surname has also gained some amount of recognition from its use in entertainment and business circles. Actress Robin Riker is one well-known bearer of the name. There are also several businesspersons, in particular entrepreneurs, who have used the surname as their own.
Today, those with the surname Wittlich, and its various spellings, can be found scattered throughout the world. While it is more common than ever before, its presence outside of Germany remains mostly low-key.
Variations of the surname Wittlich
Wittlich is a German-based surname of Germanic origin. The most common variants of this surname include Wittlich, Wittely, Whitelaw, Whitlich, Whitlich, Wittlake, Wittlick, and Wittelich.
The original form of the name during early modern Germany was Wittelicher, which is derived from 'licht' meaning 'light', and probably denoted someone who was fair of complexion. This is likely where its variants emerged from.
Wittely or Whitelaw is believed to have been derived from the addition of 'ly' or 'law', signifying a person of noble status. Whitlich is a variant of this, usually referring to someone with white hair or pale skin.
The Wittlake version of the name is thought to be from the combination of 'Wittelicher' and 'lake', an old form of 'lock', indicating someone who had tight, bound hair.
Wittlick was also derived from 'Wittelicher' and 'lick', an older form of 'lick', indicating someone who was skilled in their trade. Wittelich is thought to originate from 'Wittelicher' and 'lich' which offen was used to indicate someone who was noble or had insight into the occult.
Overall, Wittlich is a popular German surname with many variants. Although it is derived from the same original phrase, each variant has its own subtle nuances and may have been used to denote a certain prestige or skilled occupation.
Famous people with the name Wittlich
- Mark Wittlich: Canadian actor and musician best known for his television roles as Tad in Queer as Folk and Matt Drake in Life with Derek.
- Jürgen Wittlich: German journalist and media entrepreneur. He was the former chairman of the university council of the Free University of Berlin and the former chairman of the Berliner Verlegerverband.
- Ulrich Wittlich: German former professional footballer. He was active as a defensive midfielder over ten years for MSV Duisburg, Schalke 04 and VfL Bochum
- William Wittlich: American professor of economics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and well known as an expert in health economics.
- Kay Wittlich: German painter, sculptor and film maker. His works include sculptures in public and private collections, as well as television films and art films.
- Reg Wittlich: Australian journalist and author of A Game for All Australians and Inside Country Cricket. He is a member of the Order of Australia.
- Sabine Wittlich: German former athlete and double Olympic medalist in athletics.
- Christine Wittlich: German former academic and minister for Women's and Youth Affairs in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
- Friedrich Wilhelm Wittlich: German academic and professor of Romance studies at the University of Jena
- Franz Wittlich: Austrian former athlete and triple Olympic bronze medalist in athletics.