Surname DeWitt - Meaning and Origin

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S. DeWitt

DeWitt: What does the surname DeWitt mean?

The surname DeWitt is of Dutch origin and it means "The White". Derived from the Dutch words ‘De’, meaning 'the', and ‘Wit’ or 'Witt', meaning 'white', this name was primarily used as a nickname for a person with very light or white hair or exceptionally pale skin. It could also refer to a person who was habitually dressed in white. Later on, it started being used as a surname. It's also possible the name was geographical, referring to someone who lived in a very bright or light place. Some variations of the surname include Dewitte, Dewit, and DeWitte. Notably, famous historical figures like Johan and Cornelis de Witt, who were key political figures in the Dutch Republic in the mid-17th century, carried this surname.

DeWitt: Where does the name DeWitt come from?

The last name DeWitt is of Dutch origin, derived from the Dutch words 'de wit', meaning 'the white'. Originally, it likely referred to someone with a pale complexion or white hair. This surname emerged during the Middle Ages in the Netherlands where it was common for people to adopt their father's name, profession or characteristics as a surname.

Today, DeWitt is a popular surname among Dutch descendants around the world, predominantly in the United States, particularly in states with a strong Dutch settlement history like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York. Popularity of this surname can also be found in the Netherlands and in regions of Canada with a history of Dutch immigration, such as Ontario and Alberta. Famous people with the last name DeWitt include American actress Joyce Dewitt, and Bucky DeWitt, the American football player.

Variations of the surname DeWitt

The surname DeWitt has various spellings and variants that are derived from the same origin. Here are some of them:

1. Dewitt: This is a very common variant that merges the two parts of the name into one.

2. De Witt: Another variant that maintains the space between the two parts of the name but removes the capitalization from the second part.

3. Witt: This version drops the 'De' prefix altogether.

4. De Wit: This is a Dutch variant of the surname.

5. De Witte: Another Dutch variant that additionally incorporates the Dutch word for 'white'.

6. Dewitte: This version combines the Dutch De Witte into one word.

7. DeWeitt: A less common variant.

8. De-Witt: Sometimes, the two parts of the name are separated by a hyphen.

9. Witte: An alternate spelling without the 'De' prefix.

While these spellings and variants can be seen worldwide, they are particularly prevalent in the Netherlands where the surname originated, as well as in Belgium and the United States where the surname was carried by immigrants. Note that due to regional dialects and personal preference, the name could potentially have even more variants.

Famous people with the name DeWitt

• John De Witt: A key political figure in the Dutch Golden Age.
• Rosemarie DeWitt: An American actress known for her roles in "Rachel Getting Married" and "La La Land."
• Joyce DeWitt: An American actress best known for her role in the television sitcom "Three's Company."
• Balthasar de Witt: 17th-century poet and burgomaster of Utrecht known for his political poetry.
• Johan de Witt: A Dutch statesman and a major figure in the politics of the Dutch Republic.
• Tjerk Frederik de Witt: A Dutch writer known for his work in World War II resistance literature.
• Robert DeWitt: An American politician who served as the 60th Governor of Alabama.
• Cornelia de Wit: A Dutch swimmer who competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics.
• Billy DeWitt: A former professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball as an infielder and outfielder.
• Carol DeWitt: An American environmental artist known for her community-based projects.
• Madison DeWitt: An American actress best known for her roles in short films and TV series.
• Richard DeWitt: An American television news director, known for his time at WXIA-TV in Atlanta.

Other surnames

DeWitheDewitz