Witte Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Witte come from? What does the surname Witte mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Witte and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Witte Origin: What does the last name Witte mean?
The surname Witte, originating from Dutch and Low German roots, means "(the) white one". It can also function as a patronymic surname. Notable individuals bearing the Witte name include German astrologer Alfred Witte, American economist Edwin E. Witte, and Russian policy-maker Sergei Witte. According to YourRoots data, the Witte surname first surfaced in Dutch records in the early 16th century, later spreading to countries like Germany and the United States, where it remains prominent today.
YourRoots data indicates that the Witte surname has a strong presence in countries such as the United States, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, South Africa, Canada, England, and Brazil. With a history dating back to the 16th century, the Witte surname has established itself globally, reflecting a diverse heritage across various regions and cultures. The name Witte continues to be recognized for its historical significance and widespread distribution in the modern era.
Witte Last Name History: Where did the last name Witte come from?
Origin of Witte Surname: Where does the last name Witte originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Witte first appeared in records from the Netherlands around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Witte spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Witte: What does the Witte surname history look like in the early days?
The Witte surname remained closely associated with the Netherlands from the 16th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Witte family records in countries like Germany and the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Witte surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Witte surname grew significantly in the United States. The Witte surname remains prominent in the United States, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, South Africa, Canada, England, and Brazil. It appears in many countries around the world.
Explore Witte last name heritage and Witte surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Witte Surame?
Sergei Witte
Count Sergei Yulyevich Witte (June 29, 1849 – March 13, 1915) served as the first prime minister of the Russian Empire, focusing on industrialization and stabilizing the government. He played a crucial role in the 1905 Russian Revolution, creating the October Manifesto and Russia's first constitution. Despite his efforts for reform, Witte faced opposition and resigned before the First Duma assembled in 1906. His contributions to Russian politics at the turn of the 20th century earned him recognition as a key figure in history.
Dave Witte
Dave Witte (born August 11, 1971) is an American drummer known for his work in extreme metal and hardcore punk bands such as Municipal Waste, Burnt by the Sun, and Deny the Cross. He plays multiple styles of drumming and loves the speed aspect of it. Witte has been a part of various bands simultaneously and has recorded many studio albums. In addition to his music career, he runs a vegan food truck with his girlfriend and enjoys Belgian beers in his free time.
Luke Witte
Luke Theodore Witte (October 19, 1950) is an American former college and professional basketball player known for his time at Ohio State University and the Cleveland Cavaliers. After a brutal on-court brawl during his college years, Witte pursued a career in ministry, extending forgiveness to his attackers. Despite vision impairment and limited mobility, he played in the NBA before transitioning to run his own sports store. Now serving as a church minister in Charlotte, North Carolina, Witte's journey from basketball to spirituality showcases his resilience and commitment to forgiveness and reconciliation.
Karl Witte
Johann Heinrich Friedrich Karl Witte (July 1, 1800 – March 6, 1883) was a German jurist and scholar known for his expertise in Dante Alighieri. At a young age, Witte spoke multiple languages and earned his doctorate at just 13 years old, a record noted in The Guinness Book of World Records. He gained recognition as a Dante scholar with his essay "The Art of Misunderstanding Dante" in 1823. Witte's father also wrote a book about his education, which received criticism but added to his legacy. Witte's contributions to Dante studies solidified his place in literary history, making him a notable figure in German scholarship.
Otto Witte
Otto Witte (October 16, 1872 – August 13, 1958) was a German circus acrobat and fantasist who famously claimed to have been crowned King of Albania. Despite his outlandish story being debunked, Witte gained notoriety in Germany for his audacious tale. He insisted on being addressed as the "former King of Albania" for the rest of his life and even had it engraved on his tombstone. Witte's story inspired adaptations in literature, such as Harry Turtledove's novel "Every Inch a King." While his claims may have been fictitious, Otto Witte's eccentric life continues to intrigue and entertain audiences.
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