Last Name Wittels

The surname Wittelsbach (often anglicized to Wittels) is a German dynasty and noble family that originated from Swabia in the Holy Roman Empire. The name is thought to have derived from Wilzelzbach, a small tributary of the Lech River near today's Augsburg, Bavaria. The earliest member known to bear the name was Otto I von Wittelsbach (died 1248), who was Count Palatine of Bavaria. From this family line, numerous kings, queens, and other royals have descended including the Kings of Germany, the Kings of Bohemia, and the Kings of Poland. Notable members include Emperor Louis IV, King Ludwig II of Bavaria, and Prince Albert of Monaco (father of Princess Grace). The family still exists today as members of European royal families.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wittels

The meaning and origin of the last name Wittels

The surname Wittels, also spelled as Wittel, Wittal, and Withel, is of German origin. It's an occupational name derived from the Middle High German "witu," meaning "wood" or "forest," and "hal," meaning "clearing" or "field." This suggests that an early bearer of this surname may have lived near a wooded clearing or perhaps had a profession associated with forestry. The Wittelsbach family, one of the most prominent German dynasties, bears the name Wittels. Originating in Bavaria, they ruled as Dukes from 1255 and as Kings of Germany from 1913 until the last monarchy was abolished in 1918 after World War I. Notable members of this royal lineage include Ludwig II, also known as "Mad King Ludwig," who built Neuschwanstein Castle, and Emperor Karl I of Austria. The Wittelsbach family's influence extends to modern-day Bavaria, as the present head of the House of Wittelsbach is Prince Max Emanuel in Bavaria.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wittels

The surname Wittels is predominantly associated with Germany, particularly the region of Bavaria, where it originated from the medieval House of Wittelsbach, a prominent German royal family. Over centuries, numerous branches of the Wittelsbach family emerged, giving rise to the distribution of the Wittels surname across various regions in Germany. Today, significant concentrations can be found in Bavaria and Rhineland-Palatinate. Due to historical events such as migration and marriage alliances, individuals bearing the name Wittels have also settled in other parts of Europe, including Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Additionally, descendants of German immigrants have carried the name Wittels to North America, particularly the United States and Canada. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Wittels reflects its historical roots in Germany, with dispersal due to migration and family ties across Europe and North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wittels

The surname Wittels has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time and across different regions. Some common variants include Wittel, Wittelle, Wittelz, Wittle, Witell, Witel, Wittal, and Witteler. These variations are often found among German-speaking families originating from the Palatinate region of Germany, where the House of Wittelsbach ruled as Electors and Kings of Germany for centuries. Other spellings may arise due to assimilation or anglicization in countries where German immigrants settled. For example, the surname might be found as Witellas, Wittelas, Witeles, or Witeleski in Eastern European Slavic languages. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different ancestral lineages; they may simply reflect regional differences and changes in spelling practices over time.

Famous people with the last name Wittels

The Wittelsbach-Witteler dynasty is a prominent German royal family with a rich history that spans over eight centuries. One of its most renowned members is Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the "Fairy Tale King," who built Neuschwanstein Castle, inspiring Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Another famous member is Prince Max Emanuel in Bavaria, a key figure during the German Revolution of 1918-19 and the first president of the Free State of Bavaria. Notable women of this family include Queen Marie Henrietta of Austria, who was regent of Austria during her son's minority, and Princess Theresa of Luxembourg, who served as the Grand Duchess of Tuscany. Lastly, Countdown Kalman Wittgenstein, an Austrian-Jewish industrialist and art patron, is known for his significant contributions to modern art through his collection of works by Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, and Piet Mondrian.

Genealogical research on the last name Wittels

The Wittelsbach, or more commonly known as the Wittels, is an influential German princely house with roots dating back to the 12th century. Originating from Swabia, the family rose to prominence during the High Middle Ages and held significant power in the Holy Roman Empire. The name Wittelsbach, derived from the castle Wittelsbach near Burghausen, Bavaria, has produced several notable figures throughout history. The most famous branch is the House of Wittelsbach-Bayern, which ruled the Duchy of Bavaria and later the Kingdom of Bavaria. Notable members include Emperor Otto I (the Blessed) of the Holy Roman Empire and Ludwig II, the Fairytale King, known for commissioning Neuschwanstein Castle. The last reigning monarch from this family was Queen Marie-Amélie of Belgium, who reigned until 1962, making her the longest-reigning queen regnant in history. The Wittelsbach family has also produced numerous politicians and cultural figures throughout Europe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wittels"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends