Last Name Wittenberg

The surname "Wittenberg" has German origins and is derived from a place-name that means "white mountain". It is found mainly in the regions of Saxony, Thuringia, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in Germany. The city of Wittenberg, in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, was prominent during the Protestant Reformation as Martin Luther lived and taught there for a time. The surname may have originated from this area.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wittenberg

The meaning and origin of the last name Wittenberg

The surname Wittenberg is of German origin, derived from a place name, specifically the city of Wittenberg in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Historically, it was an important center for education and religion during the Protestant Reformation as the birthplace of Martin Luther. The name "Wittenberg" itself comes from Old High German, with 'witu' meaning 'wood' and 'inberg' meaning 'hill', thus describing a wooded hill or small forested elevation. Over time, individuals residing in or near this location took on the name as their own, creating its dispersal among various branches of the family tree over centuries. The surname Wittenberg can now be found worldwide, with German immigrants carrying it to other parts of Europe and eventually the Americas.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wittenberg

The surname Wittenberg is predominantly found in central Germany, particularly in Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, where it originated from the town of Wittenberg. Over time, its distribution has expanded beyond Germany, primarily due to migration waves. In the United States, a significant number of people with the surname Wittenberg can be traced back to German immigration during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly to states like Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Canada also hosts a substantial number of Wittenbergs, primarily in Ontario and Manitoba. Additionally, the surname is present in Australia, South Africa, and various countries in Europe, such as the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, and the United Kingdom. These dispersals reflect historical events like the 16th-century religious Reformation and later waves of immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wittenberg

The surname Wittenberg has several variations and spellings, stemming from its German origin. Common spelling variations include Wittinberg, Wittingberg, Witternberg, Wettinberg, Wettnberg, and Wettingen. Other possible variants may include Wittenburg, Witingen, Wyttewynge, and Wyttenby. These variations can arise due to differences in transcription, pronunciation, or translation over time and across regions. It is also important to note that some people may have slight alterations based on their family's specific history or migration patterns. Ultimately, the various spellings of Wittenberg represent the rich diversity and history of this surname.

Famous people with the last name Wittenberg

Notable individuals with the last name Wittenberg include:

1. Marvin J. Wittenberg (1928-2016), an American lawyer and judge who served as a justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court from 1974 to 1993.

2. Richard Wittenberg (born 1951), a mathematician and computer scientist known for his work in combinatorics, graph theory, and cryptography. He is currently a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

3. Kurt Wittenberg (1908-1984), a German film actor who appeared in more than 50 films during his career from the 1920s to the 1970s. He is perhaps best known for his role as Captain von Ragwort in the 1933 film "The Hound of Baskervilles."

4. Mark Wittenberg (born 1968), an American professional golfer who has competed on both the PGA Tour and the Nationwide Tour. He won the 2004 Walt Disney World Classic on the Nationwide Tour.

Genealogical research on the last name Wittenberg

The surname Wittenberg is of German origin, derived from the city of Wittenberg in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, where it was first recorded in the late Middle Ages. The city, established around 968 AD, has historical significance as the birthplace of Martin Luther and a significant center of the Protestant Reformation. The name Wittenberg is believed to be derived from 'Witiko's stronghold,' named after Witikind, the Margrave of Meissen who established the city. Over time, families bearing this surname migrated across Europe and eventually to other parts of the world. Notable bearers of the name include Johann Wittenberg, a 17th-century botanist, and Edward Wittenberg, an American businessman and philanthropist. The global distribution of the name reflects its long history, with significant populations in Germany, the United States, and South Africa.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wittenberg"
• 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

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