Holding steady, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Dewitt since 1880
Babies named Dewitt per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Dewitt's real moment was 1893.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 263 |
| 1890s | 351 |
| 1900s | 309 |
| 1910s | 1,035 |
| 1920s | 1,402 |
| 1930s | 941 |
| 1940s | 844 |
| 1950s | 721 |
| 1960s | 474 |
| 1970s | 285 |
| 1980s | 235 |
| 1990s | 150 |
| 2000s | 102 |
| 2010s | 71 |
| 2020s | 33 |
Meaning & origin
Dewitt is a Dutch surname name that enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the late 19th century. Its peak year was 1893, when it ranked highest among given names. Since then, its usage has declined dramatically; in 2025, it ranked 12,008th, with only about 1 in every 341,615 boys receiving the name. While no single state has seen a notable concentration of Dewitts, the name carries a historic, understated charm appealing to those seeking a rare surname-inspired choice. The trajectory of Dewitt is stable at very low levels, making it a distinctive yet traditional option.
Dewitt is derived from the Dutch surname de Wit, meaning 'the white' or 'the wise' (from Middle Dutch witte, white). It was adopted as a given name in the United States during the 19th century, possibly in honor of DeWitt Clinton, a prominent New York governor and senator. The name saw peak popularity in the 1890s but has since become rare.
Where Dewitt is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dewi, Witt
Variants: DeWitt, De Witt
Sibling names for Dewitt
Names that share Dewitt's style, for a brother or sister.
