Dewitt Name Meaning, Facts & Family History

The surname Dewitt is a variant spelling of the Dutch surname De Witt or De Witt(e), which means "white" in Dutch. It is derived from the Middle Dutch word "wit" or "witt" meaning "white" or "fair."
The family history of the surname Dewitt traces back to the Netherlands and is associated with the prominent De Witt family dynasty. The De Witt family played a significant role in Dutch history during the 17th century, particularly during the time of the Dutch Republic. The most well-known members of the De Witt family were brothers Johan and Cornelis de Witt, who were influential statesmen in the Netherlands.
However, it is important to note that surname meanings and family histories can vary depending on the specific region and context. It is recommended to conduct further genealogical research to trace the specific history of the Dewitt family.

1. The surname Dewitt is of Dutch origin, derived from the given name David. It has also been spelled as Dewit, DeWitt, or De Witt.
2. The surname Dewitt is primarily found in the Netherlands and the United States, where many Dutch immigrants settled.
3. The Dewitt family can be traced back to a prominent Dutch family called the De Witts. The most famous member of this family was Johan de Witt, a statesman and mathematician who served as the Grand Pensionary of Holland in the 17th century.
4. The name Dewitt can have variations in spelling due to transliteration and anglicization processes when immigrants moved to English-speaking countries.
5. People with the surname Dewitt may belong to different ancestral backgrounds, such as Dutch, Belgian, American, or other nationalities depending on migration patterns.
6. The name Dewitt is not among the most common surnames and is relatively rare compared to more widely prevalent surnames.
7. In the United States, the name Dewitt is more commonly found in states like New York, Michigan, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, reflecting the areas where Dutch immigrants settled.
8. Famous individuals with the surname Dewitt include Charles DeWitt, an American politician, and Sander DeWitt, a character in the film "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" based on the book series by Stieg Larsson.
9. The surname Dewitt has different variations in different languages, like "de Wit" in Dutch, "De Vieth" in German, or "ДеВитт" in Russian (transliterated as DeVitt).
10. As with many surnames, the meaning and significance behind the name Dewitt may have evolved or been lost over time. However, it can still serve as a connection to historical Dutch roots or family heritage.

1. Joyce DeWitt - American actress, known for her role as Janet Wood on the TV sitcom "Three's Company."
2. Anthony DeWitt - American actor, known for his role as Donatello in the 1990 live-action film "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."
3. Barry DeWitt - American baseball player, known for his time as a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds.
4. DeWitt Clinton - American politician and statesman, known for serving as the 6th Governor of New York and for overseeing the construction of the Erie Canal.
5. Wallace DeWitt - American businessman and owner of Major League Baseball's St. Louis Cardinals.
6. Marcellus Van Deusen DeWitt - American soldier and politician, known for his role in the American Revolutionary War and for serving as the 4th Surveyor General of the United States.
7. John DeWitt - American baseball executive, known for his role as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the St. Louis Cardinals.