Surname Wittel - Meaning and Origin
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Wittel: What does the surname Wittel mean?
The last name Wittel is of German origin, and is thought to come from the Middle High German word Witzel, meaning ‘jester’ or ‘joker’. This would suggest that the original bearer of the name was a jester, or a comedian, or someone with a penchant for humour.
It is also possible that the name has its origins in the ancient Swiss-German language, in which Witzol meant ‘wit’ or ‘clever’. This suggests early bearers of the name may have been people who were known for being particularly wise and witty.
In more recent times, the name has become popular in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is also well recorded in the United States, where it is thought to have arrived in the late 1800s.
Whichever origin of the name is true, Wittel is certainly an interesting name that has carried through generations. It has a strong association with wit, humour and intelligence and continues to evoke feelings of optimism and creativity in its bearers.
Order DNA origin analysisWittel: Where does the name Wittel come from?
The last name of Wittel is most common in western and southern Germany, Austria, and northern Switzerland today.
In Germany, the name is most common in the western and southern parts of the country, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Bavaria, and Baden-Wurttemberg. In Austria, the name is most common in the states of Vienna, Tyrol, and Salzburg. In Switzerland, the name is most commonly found in the canton of Basel-Stadt.
The surname is derived from the Germanic given name 'Witte' or the Latin 'vitellus', meaning 'little calf'. It is believed to have first been used in medieval Germany as a nickname for someone who was either small or fond of calves.
The name is found primarily in Europe today but can also be found in Australia, Canada, and the United States. It is considered a relatively rare surname, however, with the US Census Bureau in 2019 reporting that there were only 22 people in the United States with the last name Wittel.
Variations of the surname Wittel
The surname Wittel has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Variants include Wittel, Whittel, Whittle, Whitel, Whittley, Wittell, Wittal, Wyttel, Witteler, Whyttel, Withell, Witell, Wytell, Wittall, Wittole, and Wyttal.
Spellings of Wittel that appear in English records can include Withelde, Wedall, Wythall, Withel, Whittall, Wettel, Widdall, Whitelle, Widdel, Whiddel, Wutell, Witell, and Wittill.
The German spelling of the surname is Wittele, Wassitel, Witell, Wittell, Wyttal, and Withel.
Variants of the surname include Whitwell, Whitehall, Whettell, Wotherspoon, and Wyttle.
Surnames derived from the same origin as Wittel include Wettl, Wytel, Wisdel, Wissel, Wisselmann, Wetzel, and Witzel.
Variants, spellings, and surnames derived from Wittel come from various countries across the world where migration has been present. Common countries include Germany, England, Scotland, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States.
Famous people with the name Wittel
- Jacob Wittel: German sculptor who trained under Matthias Scheeben and worked for Augustus III of Poland and for the ducal court of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel.
- Ludo Wittel: German actor and baseball announcer.
- Maria Wittel: Austrian actress.
- Will F. Wittel: American lawyer and politician who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
- Hermann Wittel: German glass manufacturer and miner.
- Tony Wittel: American Playwright and co-founder of Xenon Productions, LLC.
- Johann Gottfried Wittel: Composer and friend of George Frideric Handel.
- Florence E. Wittel: American librarian and author.
- Michel Wittel: French artist and filmmaker.
- Willy Wittel: German director, screenwriter, and producer.
- Carola Wittel: German figure skating coach and choreographer.
- Joachim Wittel: German painter active in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Sten Wittel: Swedish film producer and director.
- Agustin Wittel: Mexican composer and conductor.
- Matt Wittel: American musician and audio engineer.