Origin & Meaning of the Waterman Surname
What does the last name Waterman mean?
The surname Waterman carries the meaning "A person associated with." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 12,177 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Waterman ranks as the #2,947 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Waterman come from?
The Waterman surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Waterman name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Waterman trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Waterman |
|---|---|
| Meaning | A person associated with |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,947 |
| US Count (2010) | 12,177 |
| Per 100K People | 4.13 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Waterman
According to the US Census, the Waterman surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 12,177 Americans with the Waterman last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 86.08% |
| Black | 7.63% |
| Hispanic | 2.71% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.6% |
| Native American | 1.17% |
| Two or More Races | 1.81% |
Popularity of Waterman Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Waterman surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Waterman surname increased by 378 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Waterman Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Waterman
- ✓ The Waterman coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Waterman families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Waterman
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Waterman.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Waterman.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterman
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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