Witek History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Czech
Netherlands

The Witek surname is a compound name comprised of the element "Vit," which is derived from "Vito," a personal name with several possible origins. There are Old Slavic names containing the element "viti," meaning "price, profit," such as "Vitoslav," "Vitomir," or "Vitoljub." Alternatively, there are personal names derived from the Old Slavic "vitati," meaning "inhabit" or "welcome." Finally, the name "Vito" may be derived from the medieval Latin name "Vitus," meaning "life." This personal name gained popularity during the Middle Ages due to the cult of St. Vitus, a Christian martyr from South Italy, its fame reaching Eastern Europe via Germany. The suffix "-ek," is a typical diminutive Czech suffix indicating "son of."

Early Origins of the Witek family

The surname Witek was first found in Bohemia, where the name first reached the region through Germany. The personal names Vitoslav and Vitomir were common in this region during the Middle Ages; the progenitor of the surname was likely the son of someone known as Vito. The young Witek family was instrumental during this formative period, figuring prominently in the early history of the region and contributing greatly to the development of medieval Bohemian society.

Early History of the Witek family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Witek research. Another 160 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1746, 1796, 1825, 1857 and 1864 are included under the topic Early Witek History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Witek Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Vitek, Vittek, Witek, Wittek, Viteck, Vitteck, Witeck and many more.

Early Notables of the Witek family

Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Witek Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Witek migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Witek Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Anna Witek, who traveled to New York in 1886

Contemporary Notables of the name Witek (post 1700) +

Private First Class Frank Peter Witek, American soldier awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1944