WITT
Witt
Origin and Etymology The surname Witt is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German word "witu," meaning forest. It is believed to have been introduced to England by Anglo-Saxon settlers during the medieval period.
Distribution The surname Witt is relatively uncommon in Britain compared to its prevalence in Germany, where it is more frequently found. In the UK, the name is most commonly encountered in the southern regions, particularly in areas with historical connections to Anglo-Saxon settlement.
Notable Individuals
- Stephen Witt (b. 1965): British author and journalist known for his works on contemporary culture and society.
- Laura Witt (b. 1980): British artist renowned for her innovative mixed-media installations exploring themes of nature and technology.
Coat of Arms The Witt family coat of arms features a depiction of a forest, symbolising the name's etymological connection to woodlands. The shield is adorned with traditional Germanic elements, reflective of the surname's origins.
Variants Variants of the surname Witt include Witter, Witte, and Witts. These variations may have arisen over time due to linguistic evolution or regional differences in pronunciation.
In Modern Times Though not as common as some other British surnames, Witt continues to be borne by a number of individuals across various professions and walks of life. The name retains its distinct Germanic heritage, serving as a reminder of the historical ties between German and British cultures.
There are approximately 2,407 people named Witt in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,613th most common surname in Britain. Around 37 in a million people in Britain are named Witt.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Alison
- Barbara
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Hannah
- Lesley
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Rachel
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.