Surname Bennewitz - Meaning and Origin
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Bennewitz: What does the surname Bennewitz mean?
The last name Bennewitz originated from the city of Bennewitz in Germany. This was a city located in Saxony near Leipzig and Delitzsch, and was first mentioned in written documents in 1594. The origins of the name are believed to be derived from the Old German ‘Benne’ meaning 'bean' and the term ‘wiz’ which means 'dweller'. In the area of Bennewitz there were also many bean fields, which is where the component of the last name 'Benne' likely derived.
The Bennewitz name then spread via German immigration, and has since been found in parts of the United States and Canada. It is still more popular in Europe where it is believed to have originated.
In America, people with the Bennewitz surname will likely be descended from a German immigrant, and will likely have connections to the German city of Bennewitz. Those with this surname will likely have German roots, with some aspects of their heritage likely having survived since the 1500s.
Order DNA origin analysisBennewitz: Where does the name Bennewitz come from?
The surname Bennewitz is a German surname which originated from northern Europe. It is most commonly encountered in Germany and the surrounding countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland and Austria. In Germany it is found all over the country, with its highest concentration being located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse and Brandenburg.
The surname appears to be quite widespread amongst English-speaking countries, too. In the United States, Bennewitz has been traced back to the beginning of the 19th century and is now largely found in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Missouri and California. In Canada it is common in British Columbia and in the United Kingdom, the name is especially prominent in the Yorkshire area. It has also been found in Scotland and Ireland.
In other parts of the world, the surname Bennewitz is not so common. Australia, for example, has recorded very few occurrences of the name, as do South Africa, India and China.
Overall, the last name Bennewitz is popular across Europe and in the United Kingdom and United States. It has not, however, become quite as widespread as in other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Bennewitz
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Bennewitz are:
Benewitz – This variant of the surname dates back to the Middle Ages and was first seen in Western Europe. It is derived from the Germanic word “bene” which means “good” or “well”, plus the suffix “vitz”, which comes from the name Vitus, meaning “one who conquers”.
Benowitz – This variant is a derivation of Benewitz but is significantly more common, with roots in the Eastern European countries of Poland and Lithuania.
Benavitz – This spelling is a variation of Benowitz and could be found in Germany and other parts of Europe.
Benwitz – A European variant of Benowitz, this spelling probably dates back to the late 18th or early 19th century.
Bennewiz – This spelling suggests a combination of the Benowitz variant plus “ewiz”, which could have been inspired by the Germanic word for “powerful”, which is “awiz”.
Banewitz – This spelling is quite rare and was likely a variant of Benewitz, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages.
Benewits – A variation seen in England and Scotland, this spelling has Scottish Gaelic origins and is derived from the Gaelic words for “noble”, “good” and “prosperous”.
Bunewicz – This variant of the name is more common in the nations of Poland and Lithuania. It is derived from the Polish word “bun”, meaning “boisterous”, plus the suffix “icz”.
Bunewijz – A variation of Bunewicz, this spelling is more commonly found in Poland and Lithuania. It is believed to have been derived from the Polish word “bunaw”, which means “gentle”.
Bunicz – This form of the surname could have derived from the Polish word “bun”, which means “cheerful”, plus the suffix “icz”. This spelling is particularly common in Poland and Lithuania.
Bunyicz – This variant of the surname originates from the Polish word “buny” which means “cordial”, plus the suffix “icz”. This spelling is most typically found in Poland and Lithuania.
Famous people with the name Bennewitz
- Henning Bennewitz: A prominent German theater director who studied at the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts in Berlin-Hohenschönhausen.
- Urlich Bennewitz: An American evolutionary biologist. He is a noted authority on the American beaver, Chimpanzees, and Bonobos.
- Matthias Bennewitz: A German classical violinist and conductor who has had a successful career spanning many music genres.
- Alexander Bennewitz: A German Olympian and Paralympic athlete who competes in the men's discus throw and shot put in the Paralympics.
- Christian Bennewitz: A German footballer who plays as a midfielder for the national team and his club side Bayern Munich.
- Katrin Bennewitz: A German operatic soprano who has performed on many stages across the world such as Royal Festival Hall in London and Carnegie Hall in New York.
- Geert Bennewitz: A Dutch former professional footballer who played for several clubs in the Netherlands and retiring from football in 2008.
- Frank Bennewitz: A German theatre director, actor, and screenwriter, who is currently the artistic director of the Gorki Theatre in Berlin.
- Amelie Bennewitz: A German actress and model who is best known for her roles in TV Series such as Unter uns, Gute Zeiten, Schlechte Zeiten and In aller Freundschaft.
- Sarah Bennewitz: A German actress who has appeared in films and TV series such as Tatort, Unter Uns, Lindenstraße, and SOKO Köln.