The Witt Family History

What Does the Witt Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Witt is of German, English, and Dutch origin, deriving from the Middle Low German word ‘witt,’ which translates to white. Variations of the name include Wicht, Witts, Wytt, Wythe, and Wyght. In England, the earliest recorded Witt families were found in Lincolnshire, from which the surname disseminated throughout much of the country. Presently, the highest concentrations of individuals bearing the Witt surname are located in Hampshire, Wiltshire, and London. In Scotland, the surname is predominantly associated with regions such as Ross & Cromarty, Roxburghshire, Kirkcudbrightshire, and Lanarkshire. In the United States, the initial settlements of families with the Witt surname can be traced back to states including Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio, Maine, Kentucky, and South Carolina. Noteworthy individuals with the surname include Friedrich Witt, a composer and cellist from the 19th century; Katarina Witt, a celebrated figure skater from Germany; James Lee Witt, the former Director of FEMA; Alicia Roanne Witt, an actress and singer known for her work in television and film; professional baseball players George Witt and Whitey Witt; Carl Gustav Witt, an astronomer; Brendan Witt, a professional ice hockey player; Roz Witt, an actress in film and television; Otto Witt, a Swedish author of science fiction; Paul Junger Witt, a producer in television and film; and Liza Witt, an actress and singer from Australia. Additionally, musician Joachim Will is also associated with this surname.