Surname Wittpfenning - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Wittpfenning: What does the surname Wittpfenning mean?
The last name Wittpfenning is derived from the Germanic words ''wit'' meaning wood, and ''penning'', meaning a small valley or enclosure. Thus, the surname translates to 'enclosed wood valley'.
Since German surnames traditionally described the origin of a family's importance and status, Wittpfenning likely originated with families of landowners who primarily lived in rural areas and owned wooded property. It is also possible that the surname was adopted by people from different German-speaking regions who paid tribute to a nearby woodland area.
In terms of genealogy, Wittpfenning is an uncommon last name, with fewer than 500 people in the world sharing it. Most living in Germany, with a small concentration of individuals found in the United States.
The Wittpfenning family crest is typically represented with a blue wyvern, an emblematic beast in German heraldry. The wyvern carries an oak branch in it's talons or claws, representing the Wittpfenning origins of wooded property.
As the Wittpfenning lineage continues, it is likely that the historical roots of the surname will remain distinct and recognizable, as Wittpfenning families are typically proud of their distinct and unique name.
Order DNA origin analysisWittpfenning: Where does the name Wittpfenning come from?
The surname Wittpfenning is most commonly found in the former German states of Prussia, now encompassing parts of Poland and Russia. The name is well-documented in records of Prussia before World War I, making it a fairly old surname.
In modern times, the surname Wittpfenning can still be found across many areas of both Central and Eastern Europe, with signatures from youth moving to other European countries and the US. Specifically, the name is common in areas of Bavaria and Poland, as well as the eastern Czech Republic and even parts of Russia.
Some Russia-specific records even indicate that a small village in Russia may have been named after the Wittpfenning family. The word 'pfenning' is, in fact, a traditional German term that may have been included in the original family name.
Today, the name can also be found in parts of the United States such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, South Dakota, and even Alaska. Interestingly, some records have also found the name in France, suggesting that perhaps the original Prussian family moved away, taking the name with them.
The surname Wittpfenning is, as of today, not an overly common name. It is still present in many areas of Europe, alongside a handful of records in the US. The Prussian roots of the name also still remain, with the name Wittpfenning being found in Russia and Poland particularly.
Variations of the surname Wittpfenning
The surname Wittpfenning is of German origin, and is typically found in Germany, Austria, and Pennsylvania in the United States. Variations of this surname include the spelling variations Witböfenning, Wietbofenning, Wittpöfenning, Wipfenning, Wittbofenning, Witpenning, Wittenpöffenning, Wippenning, Wippfenning, Wittpfenig, Wittpenning, and Wittpennig. Variants of this surname are from different German dialects and may include Wittfening, Wittphasen, Weitfelsen, Wietfenning, Wietpöffenning, Wietpofenning, Wittböffenning, Wittpoffenning, Wittpövfenning, Wippfening, Wippfening, Wittpövfening, and Wippofenning.
In addition, Wittpfenning is the root of numerous surnames of German origin, including Wendtphenning, Wunschenphanning, Wilpenning, Wunppfanning, Wundtphenning, Wurppenning, Wurppffenning, Wurppfennin, Wunppfenning, Wundtpenning, Wundtphenning, Wurpfenning, Wunppfenningg, Wurppenningg, Wurffenningg, and Wurpffenningg. In particular, these surnames are found in regions of Germany such as in Bavaria, Brandenburg, Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine Westphalia, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.
Sometimes, surnames like Wittpfenning develop into nicknames or pet forms. These can include forms such as Pfing, Penning, Pfingsten, Penny, Pen, Pennig, and Penniger. These nicknames or pet forms are similar to the surname, but with phonetic and spelling variations.
This surname can also take on variant spellings over time and can indicate that one branch of the family had an important ancestor who might have held a high or powerful position. These include Wittgfalen, Wittfalen, Wittphaelen, Wittfalfen, and Wittphalen. While some of the spelling variations of Wittpfenning are German, other variations of the name have been found in other countries, such as in England, Switzerland, and Hungary.
Famous people with the name Wittpfenning
- Jim Wittpfenning: professional dancer and actor, best known for his stage performances in the Broadway musicals Singin' in the Rain and Can-Can.
- Carl Wittpfenning: professional violinist and composer, best known for his work in the operas of Mozart and Beethoven.
- Stefan Wittpfenning: professional soccer player, German-born, won the Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Cup, and Bundesliga titles with FC Kaiserslautern.
- Henry Wittpfenning: politician, US State Representative from Iowa in the 1840s.
- Nathanial Wittpfenning: writer, interviewed many prominent Revolutionary efforts in the American Colonies in the 1790s.
- Emma Wittpfenning: host and public speaker, known for her work on the Women's Rights movement in the early 20th century.
- Francis Wittpfenning: soldier, private in the US Army in the Revolutionary War.
- Louisa Wittpfenning: journalist and editor, worked in Germany and served as the editor-in-chief of Berliner Haupt-Zeitung.
- David Wittpfenning: musician, worked as a session and studio musician in the 1960s and 70s.
- Raymond Wittpfenning: carpenter and builder, expanded the construction industry in Pennsylvania in the early 19th century.