Witke Surname History

Origins Available:
Germany

The German surname Witke emerged in the lands that formed the powerful German state of Prussia, which at one time was an immense German territory that stretched from France and the Low Countries to the Baltic sea and Poland. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the German territories were inhabited by a variety of Barbarian tribes. The borders of the Barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known as Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. Brandenburg-Prussia was essentially the birthplace of modern Germany. By the 19th century, Brandenburg-Prussia had incorporated East Prussia, West Prussia and many other German territories. Moreover, in the late 19th century, it led the German states in the unification of Germany.

Early Origins of the Witke family

The surname Witke was first found in the territory of Neumark east of the Electorate of Brandenburg, where the name was closely identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society that played a prominent role throughout European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches in Northern Germany, and become recognized for its participation in social, economic, and political affairs.

Early History of the Witke family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Witke research. Another 116 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1660, 1717, 1771, 1795, 1816 and 1837 are included under the topic Early Witke History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Witke Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Witke include Witte, Witter, Wittek (Silesia), Witt (Holland) and others.

Early Notables of the Witke family

Another 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Witke Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Witke family

The state of Prussia was a great influence on the shape of modern Germany. After the Second World War, Prussia's land was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany and the state was abolished. Some Prussians remained in those countries after the war, while many others migrated to North America in search of a new start. Philadelphia was their primary point of entry to the United States, after which many of them moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. A large number of Prussians also migrated to Ontario and the prairie provinces as United Empire Loyalists. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Witkes to arrive in North America, and among them were: Christopher Witt, who came to Germantown, Pennsylvania in 1704; as did Jost Witt in 1754; and Johann Diedrich Witte in 1753; Wilhelm Witte arrived in Texas in 1852.

Contemporary Notables of the name Witke (post 1700) +

Ryszard Witke (1939-2020), Polish ski jumper who competed at the 1964 Winter Olympics and the 1968 Winter Olympics