Surname Witkof - Meaning and Origin
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Witkof: What does the surname Witkof mean?
The last name Witkof is of Polish origin and is derived from a personal name derived from the Slavic element “wit” meaning “will or desire” combined with “kof”, a diminutive suffix often added to given names. Then the word was also used as a surname. It is a fairly common surname in Poland although it was more popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The literal meaning of the word "Witkof" might be translated to "with will" or "with desire". It can also be interpreted to mean “someone who is determined”, “someone with ambitions” or “someone who is striving for a certain goal”.
Furthermore, “Witkof” can also symbolize an unwavering, indomitable spirit. To live and work with high expectations, and to remain optimistic and determined even in the face of difficulties or opposition are the traits often associated with the surname. It is also believed to be connected to those who are creative and ambitious, striving to achieve success in life.
The surname Witkof can also be seen as symbolizing loyalty, strength, courage, endurance and faithfulness. People with this name may seek out recognition for their contributions, but they also know how to remain humble and respectful when needed.
Given the name’s rich history and fascinating meaning, it's safe to say that those with the last name of Witkof have a unique and interesting heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisWitkof: Where does the name Witkof come from?
The last name Witkof is generally classified as an Ashkenazi Jewish last name of Slavic origin. It is most common in the United States, Canada, and Israel. In the United States, records of the surname go back to the late 19th century, with the largest concentrations of the name located in Pennsylvania, New York, California, Florida, and Massachusetts. Today, the Witkof family tree spans a variety of different cities throughout the nation.
In Israel, the frequency of the last name is significantly higher. According to census data from 2017, it is listed as the 23rd most common last name in the country. The majority of those with the last name are concentrated in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Bnei Brak, Netanya, and Be'er Sheva.
Outside North America and Israel, the name is much less prominent. It cannot be easily found in Eastern Europe, where the vast majority of the world’s Ashkenazi Jews live. It has been proposed that the original surname, either Witkov or Witkoff, was changed to the more Polish-sounding name of Witkof when the family emigrated to the United States at the turn of the twentieth century.
In its home countries, the surname Witkof is still growing in popularity and is held by thousands of people across two continents.
Variations of the surname Witkof
Witkof is a surname of Jewish and Eastern European descent. There are several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the Witkof surname.
The most common variant spellings include: Vitkof, Vitkoff, Witkoff, Witkove, Vitkov, Vitkovski and Vytkov.
Similar surnames which share the same origin as Witkof include: Vitkovskiy, Witkovsky, Vitkovsky, Vyatkovsky, Vyatkovskij, Witkovskaya, Vyatkovskaya and Vytkovskaya.
Other related surnames include: Vitkovska, Witkovska, Witkowski, Witkorska, Witkowskiy, Witek, Witkowskiy, Witkop, Witekovskiy, Witkover, Vitkowska and Whiskoff.
These variants and related surnames often arise due to misspellings and changes in geography, language and culture. Many of these surnames have undergone various changes over the years as families have moved over distance and throughout history.
The meaning of the Witkof surname is generally used to refer to a person who was “descended of the town of Vitkov” or “son of Vitko” or “son of the noble”. This has since been extended to include a plethora of variants and related surnames.
Famous people with the name Witkof
- Ben Witkoff: American television producer, writer and executive.
- Alfred Witkofsky: American physiologist and biochemist.
- Morris Witkoff: Oscar nominated American film producer.
- William Witkofsky: American lawyer and senior advisor to the White House.
- Joe Witkoff: American real estate developer and investor.
- Pam Witkoff: American celebrity manager and media strategist.
- Mark Witkofsky: American cinematographer and film producer.
- Matt Witkofsky: American television producer and director.
- Matthew Witkoff: American television writer and director.
- Eva Witkoff: American portraiture photographer.