Surname Wittwar - Meaning and Origin

Wittwar: What does the surname Wittwar mean?

The last name Wittwar is a German surname derived from the Middle High German words "wíz" or "wiht" meaning "wood" or "force" and "wéra" meaning "dweller" or "defender". The name as a whole can thus be translated to mean "wood dweller" or "protector of the wood".

This interpretation may hint at the surname representing a person who lived in or near a wood. It could also refer to a person who was a guardian of the forest, such as a forester or gamekeeper. Alternatively, the name could refer to a masseur trained in exotic forms of massage called "wittwur" in the German language. This treatment was believed to heal physical pain and ailments as well as facilitate physical relaxation.

The Wittwar surname first appears in historic records during the 12th century in Austria and southern Germany. It appeared more prominently in the 1570s when census records began. During this period, the Wittwar families initially settled in Vienna and later spread across Europe.

Today, the Wittwar surname is associated with Germany, Austria and Switzerland, although its origin is not limited to any one country. It is also found across the United States, Canada, France, Australia, and other major international countries.

Wittwar: Where does the name Wittwar come from?

The last name Wittwar is most commonly found in Austria, Germany, and some other parts of central Europe. Its popularity is highest in Austria, where it is the 412th most common name. It is present in Germany, too, but not as prevalent.

The root of this name is thought to derive from the personal name Wigo, which is from Wigand, meaning 'a soldier'. This likely means that a distant ancestor or family of Wittwar was connected to the military in some capacity. It is an occupational surname associated with a soldier or a mercenary.

In Austria, sentimental pride amongst those with this last name is usually associated with a wealthy, aristocratic background, given the name's military connotations. As for other countries, the prevalence is more recent and can be suggestive of ancestry from Central European countries such as Germany, Austria, and Slovakia.

Given its Germanic and Slavic origins, the name Wittwar is also found in some Eastern European countries like Ukraine, Czech Republic and Poland. This name has also reached parts of North America such as the US and Canada, due to the wave of Germanic migration to these countries in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variations of the surname Wittwar

Wittwar is a German surname originating in the region of Silesia, located in what is now southwestern Poland. It is thought to have been derived from the Middle High German word wirzwar, meaning "great warrior". Variants and other spellings of the name include Wittower, Wittwor, Wiezwar, Wiezwara, Wittwara, Wiedwar, and Vitek.

The surname first appears in records in the 16th century in Silesia, with Christoph Wirzwer, a member of the Wurmbrand family, listed as a witness in a 1563 document. The surname is most common in Silesia to this day. However, it is also present in Germany, especially in the state of Saxony.

In the 19th century, the Wittwar name began to spread outside of Europe, appearing in many different parts of the world. This is due in part to the various Silesian emigration movements, which saw thousands of Silesians leave the region in search of a better life. One destination was the United States, where many of the original settlers bore the Wittwar name. The earliest known immigrant with the name was George Wittwor, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1734. There were also many Wittwars who emigrated to Australia and New Zealand, as well as numerous other parts of the world.

As a result of emigration, the Wittwar name is now quite widespread. The spelling of the name has changed over time, with many different variants appearing in different countries. It has also associated with other surnames, with many being derived from the original Wittwar spelling. Today, the name is still present around the world, and it is no longer limited to the region of Silesia.

Famous people with the name Wittwar

• alley Wittwar: German track & field athlete
• Conrad Wittwar: Former Governer of South Australia
• Lilian Wittwar: Austrian physicist
• Hermann Wittwar: Austrian Architect
• Hasso Wittwar: Austrian painter, draughtsman, and professor
• Werner Wittwar: Austrian industrialist and former CEO of Philips Austria
• Carl Wittwar: Austrian-born American playwright
• Ute Wittwar: Austrian luger
• Mark Wittwar: Professional Motocross racer
• Regina Wittwar: German politician

Other surnames

Wittwer