Show ContentsWittich History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The distinguished German surname Wittich comes from the former southwestern duchy of Swabia, and has several possible origins. Firstly, it may be derived from the Germanic personal name "Wido," which itself derives from either the Old High German "witu," meaning "forest," or the Old High German "wit," meaning "wide." Alternatively, the name may be derived from the place names "Wittichen" or "Widig."

Early Origins of the Wittich family

The surname Wittich was first found in southern Germany, where it was extremely popular in the Middle Ages as a first name due to its use in the Nibelungenlied, a Middle High German epic poem written in the 12th century. Wittich was the mythical hero of the Dietrich Sage, and it is likely that the original bearer of the surname was the son of someone who was named Wittig out of admiration for this hero.

Early History of the Wittich family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wittich research. Another 123 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1318, 1395, 1419, 1460, 1610, 1654, 1684, 1836 and 1906 are included under the topic Early Wittich History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wittich Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Wittig, Wittich, Weddig, Witche, Witicher, Witigo and others.

Early Notables of the Wittich family

More information is included under the topic Early Wittich Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Wittich migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Wittich Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • John, Charles, and George Wittich, who arrived in Philadelphia between 1834 and 1866

Australia Wittich migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Wittich Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Robert Wittich, who arrived in South Australia in 1847 aboard the ship "Hermann von Beckerath" 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Wittich (post 1700) +

  • Mrs. M. H. Wittich, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Minnesota, 1932
  • Art Wittich, American Republican politician, Member of Montana State Senate 35th District; Elected 2010

Bismarck
  • Helmut Wittich (1921-1941), German Matrosengefreiter who served aboard the German Battleship Bismarck during World War II when it was sunk heading to France; he died in the sinking 2


  1. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) HERMANN VON BECKERATH 1847. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1847HermanVonBeckerath.htm
  2. Bismarck & Tirpitz Class - Crew List Bismarck. (Retrieved 2018, February 06). Retrieved from https://www.bismarck-class.dk/bismarck/crew/bismarck_crew.html#crew_details


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