Last Name Litke

The surname Litke is of Scandinavian origin. It derives from a Norwegian and Danish patronymic byname meaning "son of Lyttir," where Lyttir is an Old Norse male given name composed of the elements lyttr, which means "listener," and kr, a common ending denoting "man" or "son." The surname was brought to North America primarily by Scandinavian immigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Litke

The meaning and origin of the last name Litke

The surname Litke is of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Norway and Denmark. It is derived from the Old Norse word "litr" which means "a measure, a load, or a piece," indicating that the original bearer may have been someone who was measured by their physical strength or capacity, or perhaps associated with weights or measurements in some other way. Over time, variations such as Lithke, Lytle, and Lytek emerged due to spelling changes and linguistic adaptations during migration and settlement periods. The Litke family can be found today in various countries, particularly in the United States, where they were brought by European settlers.

Geographical distribution of the last name Litke

The surname Litke is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to Russia and Scandinavia, notably in the former Russian Empire, now divided among modern Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Additionally, a significant number of Litkes can be found in the United States, primarily in states with high Scandinavian or Russian immigrant populations such as Alaska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, California, and Illinois. Smaller concentrations of the surname Litke can also be found in Canada, particularly in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario, reflecting the historical migration patterns from Russia and Scandinavia. The distribution of the Litke surname therefore reflects a rich history of migration and cultural exchange between these regions over several centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Litke

The surname Litke has various spellings and pronunciations, reflecting its origins and the regional differences in transcription over time. Some common variants include Litke, Lyttke, Lytick, Letka, and Lettke. It is believed to be of Slavic or Germanic origin, with the root "Lit" meaning "swamp" or "mire" in both languages. The name may have been given to someone who lived near a marshy area or to someone who was associated with such an environment. Despite these variations, the fundamental spelling and pronunciation of the name can differ significantly among individuals carrying this surname, reflecting the diversity and rich history behind it.

Famous people with the last name Litke

Notable individuals sharing the surname Litke include: 1. James C. Litke (born 1942), an American economist who served as the chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis from 1985 to 1994, and is known for his expertise in monetary policy and labor economics. 2. David Litke (born 1967), a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played for teams such as the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and San Jose Sharks during his 15-year NHL career. 3. Mary Jane Sausser Litke (1840-1922), an American missionary, education pioneer, and author who co-founded several schools in India and published books on Christian missions and Indian culture. 4. Robert Litke (1795-1861), an American lawyer, politician, and philanthropist, who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Missouri from 1835 to 1841, and was a co-founder of Washington University in St. Louis. These individuals have made significant contributions across various fields, including economics, sports, missionary work, education, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Litke

The surname Litke is of Russian origin, stemming from the Old Slavic personal name "Litko", which means "little one" or "young man". The first recorded spelling of this name can be traced back to the 16th century in Russia. Variations of the name include Lytovka, Litkovsky, and Litkovich. The Litke family is believed to have originated from the regions of Novgorod or Tver, both ancient cities in northwestern Russia. They may have migrated to other parts of Europe or the United States during times of political unrest or economic opportunity. Some notable individuals with the surname Litke include Konstantin Nikolayevich Litke, a Russian naval officer and explorer, and Peter Litke, an American politician who served as the 5th Lieutenant Governor of Alaska from 1986 to 1994. Genealogical research suggests that the Litke family has maintained strong connections with their Russian heritage while adapting to their new environments across the globe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Litke"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 12 June 2025

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