Origin & Meaning of the Watterson Surname
What does the last name Watterson mean?
The surname Watterson carries the meaning "Son of Watter." 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 3,690 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Watterson ranks as the #8,873 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Watterson come from?
The Watterson 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 Watterson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Watterson 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 | Watterson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Watter |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,873 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,690 |
| Per 100K People | 1.25 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Watterson
According to the US Census, the Watterson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,690 Americans with the Watterson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.24% |
| Black | 6.42% |
| Hispanic | 2.79% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.35% |
| Native American | 1.57% |
| Two or More Races | 1.63% |
Popularity of Watterson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Watterson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Watterson surname increased by 265 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Watterson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Watterson Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Watterson
- ✓ The Watterson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Watterson families live today
- ✓ Notable Watterson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Watterson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Watterson.
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 Watterson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watterson
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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