Surname Witzleben - Meaning and Origin

Witzleben: What does the surname Witzleben mean?

The last name Witzleben is an old German surname that is derived from the early Germanic words "Wit" and "Leib" which translate to "wise" and "body" respectively. As such, the Witzleben surname literally means "wise body."

The Witzleben surname has a long and distinguished history which can be traced back to the Middle Ages when the family was first recorded as members of the German nobility. The family first rose to prominence in the eleventh century as part of the Hohenzollern dynasty which governed the region of Brandenburg-Prussia. During the course of their history, the Witzleben family achieved various titles of nobility such as Count, Baron and even Grand Marshall of the Holy Roman Empire under the Hohenzollerns.

The Witzleben surname is also remembered for the prominent and respected members of the family throughout history, such as Field Marshal August von Witzleben. Von Witzleben was a decorated German general who fought in World War I and later attempted a coup against Hitler during the famous July Plot of 1944.

Overall, the surname Witzleben is symbolic of a long and remarkable history of service and honour, and it stands as testament to the courage, bravery and noble character of those who have proudly borne this name.

Witzleben: Where does the name Witzleben come from?

The surname Witzleben can be found around the world today, particularly in Austria, Germany, and the United States.

In Austria, particularly the upper cohorts of Vienna, the name is fairly common. It’s not as rare to hear the surname in large cities such as Salzburg or Vienna. The United States is home to one of the largest concentrations of Witzleben’s in the world today. Much of the family probably emigrated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as many Germanic people did.

The city of Linz in Austria is also known to have a number of existing Witzleben family members. As a historic city, Linz has likely been a home for the Witzleben’s for centuries. The family may have originally come from outside Austria's present borders.

In Germany, the Witzleben family is known to have existed in a number of regions such as Berlin, Brandenburg and Saxony. The family likely originated in these areas in the 18th and 19th centuries, with many Witzleben's taking part in the wars and political events in the area.

Given its long and rich history, the Witzleben family is likely to continue to grow and spread around the world for many years to come.

Variations of the surname Witzleben

The surname Witzleben is a German surname originating from the knightly family of the same name. It can be spelled in various ways, including:

Wizelben, Wiselben, Wisselben, Wüselben, Vizelben, Viselben, Vissleben, Wittingleben, Wittleben, Wahtleben.

These spellings can also be combined with other German naming conventions and nicknames, such as: Wizelbener, Wiselbener, Wisselbener, Wüselbener, Vizelbener, Viselbener, Visslebener, Wittinglebener, Wittlebener, and Wahtlebener.

The original Witzleben knightly family was located in the duchies of Bavaria and Westphalia. This family rose to power during the 12th and 13th centuries, and during this period, they intermarried with a number of other noble families. As a result, different versions of the surname Witzleben became associated with these individuals and their descendants.

Variations of the original Witzleben surname can also be found in other countries, such as France, The Netherlands, and The United States. These variants include: Wittlenbyn, Wesselben, Vissleben, Witselben, Weitzleben, Wiesleben, Wittlenbott, Wittlenbult, Weitzleben, and Vizelben.

The surname Witzleben continues to be used in various cultures across the world. It is used both as a given name and a surname, and is used both with the original German spelling as well as various variations.

Famous people with the name Witzleben

• Stjepan von Witzleben: Croatian born former professional basketball player.
• Fritz von Witzleben: German World War II Field Marshal.
• Joachim von Witzleben: German knight, diplomat and Minister of State.
• Hermann von Witzleben: German general and diplomat in World War I.
• Julian von Witzleben: German actor and singer.
• Friedrich von Witzleben: German military officer in World War I.
• Moritz von Witzleben: German hereditary peer and diplomat.
• Monika von Witzleben: German television actress.
• Justus Freiherr von Witzleben: German air force officer and staff officer during World War II.
• Udo Freiherr von Witzleben: German military officer and son of Fritz von Witzleben.

Other surnames

Witzleb