Surname Watters - Meaning and Origin
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Delving into My Roots: An Exploration of my DNA and Surname Through iGENEA
My DNA test with iGENEA unveiled enlightening information about my genetic roots, lineage, and the rich historical tapestry of my surname, Watters. The intensely detailed report, backed by cutting-edge genetic analysis technologies, traced the origins of my surname back to Scotland and northern England, attributing deeper meaning and connection to my understanding of my identity.
K. Watters
read moreWatters: What does the surname Watters mean?
The surname Watters is of Scottish and English origin and it is believed to have derived from several possible sources. The most common belief is that it is a patronymic form of the medieval personal name "Walter", from the Old German elements "wald", meaning rule, and "heri", meaning army. Secondly, it could also be topographical and simply used for someone who lived by a body of water such as a lake or a river. Lastly, it may have been an occupational name for a water carrier or someone who lived by a watering place. It was first found in Peebleshire, a region in South-Eastern Scotland, where they were seated from very early times and held a family seat as a prominent family. Although it is primarily recognized as a Scottish name, the variations of spelling have made it common across other English speaking countries as well. It is a unique and distinguished name that carries historical significance.
Order DNA origin analysisWatters: Where does the name Watters come from?
The last name Watters is most commonly found in English-speaking countries. In the United States, Watters is particularly popular in Pennsylvania and Ohio, where it’s particularly concentrated, but it can be found all over the country.
In the UK, Watters is most common in England and Wales, particularly in the counties of Hampshire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, and Derbyshire. Regions of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland also have Watters in their list of popular surnames.
In Australia, the name is found among descendants of British immigrants and is particularly common in South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. It also has high concentrations in New South Wales and Victoria.
Research suggests that Watters is also popular in the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia, while South Africa, Canada, and New Zealand are also listed as having significant numbers of Watters.
Variations of the surname Watters
The surname Watters is of English origin, and has variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Variants include the double-t spelling, Wattters, the surname derived from the Old French name, Walteur (also seen spelled as Walteers and Walters) and the Welsh variants of Watres, Watras, Watrys, Watress, Watters and Waters.
The surname Walters is a variant of the occurring German name, Walter, which was brought to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066. In Old French, the name was spelled as Walteeur (seen later as Walteers and Walters) and became known in Wales as Watres, Watras, and Watrys. During the Middle Ages in England, it was also known as Wattars, Wattars, Watters and sometimes Waters.
In the late 16th century, there were some early settlers of French origin in England and this is likely when Watters and other variants started to become more common. The surname was then adopted in many locations across Britain and Ireland, and a range of different spellings gradually emerged.
Over the centuries, many spellings have evolved and are still used today. Some popular examples of Watters-related surnames today include Walters, Waterman, Wotton, Wotton and Watterworth.
Famous people with the name Watters
- Jon Watters: Professional Cyclist
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- Jeff Watters: Professional Basketball Player
- Daryle Watters: Professional Football Player
- Charlie Watters: Singer, Songwriter
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- Krystal Watters: Stand-up Comedian
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- Rebecca Watters: Author
- David Watters: Director