De Witt is a Dutch surname, a variant of De Witte. It is derived from the Dutch phrase de witte, meaning "the white" — a nickname originally given to someone with white or fair hair or a pale complexion. Etymology and Origins The name literally translates to "the white" in Dutch, stemming from the adjective wit (white). It is part of a broader European tradition of surname formation based on physical characteristics. Variations such as De Wit, De With, and De Witte reflect regional spelling differences in the Low Countries. Equivalent surnames in other languages include White in English, Weiss in Yiddish, and Weiß in German. Notable Bearers The most famous bearer of the name is Johan de Witt (1625–1672), a leading Dutch statesman who served as Grand Pensionary of Holland — effectively head of government of the Dutch Republic. He played a key role in the First and Second Anglo-Dutch Wars and was assassinated alongside his brother Cornelius. The joint family grave is a national monument in the Nieuwe Kerk in Delft. Distribution In France, the De Witt family is notably attested in the Drôme and Gâtinais regions, where descendants carried various spells of the name. In the United States, the surname —often recorded as DeWitt— ranks 1338th in frequency (2010 Census), with 26,348 bearers, the vast majority of whom are white (87.58%). Geography The name Dei Witt is also reflected in place names in the United States: De Witt, Missouri (a small city in Carroll County) and De Witt, Nebraska (a village in Saline County). Both named after early settlers or notable political families. Notable Bearers (Historic and Modern) Aside from Johan de Witt, several other individuals have carried this surname: the American soldier and explorer Calvin DeWitt, 19th-century governor of Kansas Charles DeWitt, and the 1930s naturalist William W. DeWitt. In entertainment, actor Joyce DeWitt gained fame as an American actress on the sitcom Three's Company (1977-1984). Meaning:"the white" (nickname for a person with fair hair or complexion) Origin: Dutch Type: Surname (via-personaldescriptive) Usage Regions: Netherlands, Belgium, United States,France Equivalent in English: White