De With

De With is a Dutch surname, a variant of De Witte. It shares the same meaning and origin. The name is an occupational or descriptive surname derived from the Dutch phrase "de witte", meaning "the white", which typically referred to someone with fair or blond hair, but could also denote a pale complexion or white clothing.

Etymology and Variants

The root name De Witte gave rise to several variant spellings, including De Wit, De Witt, and the subject of this article, De With. The pronunciation remains similar, though spelling differences reflect regional and historical variations in Dutch orthography. Equivalent surnames in other languages include English White, German Weiß (or Weiss), and Yiddish Weiss.

Distribution

According to 2007 data, the combined forms—such as De Wit and its variants—rank among the most common surnames in the Netherlands. De With itself is considerably rarer but still found in the Netherlands and among Dutch-speaking communities worldwide, notably in South Africa and the United States.

Notable Bearers

While De With is less common than De Wit or De Witt, historical records mention individuals such as Cornelis de With (1592–1653), a Dutch naval officer during the Golden Age, who participated in key battles like the Battle of the Downs. His name is sometimes spelled De With. Several cartographers and artists in the 17th century also carried the name, although their exact variant may vary in historical sources.

• Meaning: "The white" (referring to fair hair or complexion)
• Origin: Dutch
• Type: Descriptive surname (nickname)
• Main Usage Regions: Netherlands, South Africa, United States