Surname Watkis - Meaning and Origin
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Watkis: What does the surname Watkis mean?
The last name Watkis is a patronymic or transfigured form of the name Watson in British Isles countries. This surname is derived from the personal name Watt, which is an ancient and popular short form of the popular male name Walter. This personal name is believed to have originated from the Old High German 'Walthari' meaning "ruler of the army" or from the German 'wald' meaning "rule".
The Watson surname is believed to have first emerged in the British Isles/Great Britain around the 14th century. Watson first spread to Scotland and would later be adapted as 'Watkis'. This surname has also been adapted as Watkeys, Watkyn, Watkyns, Watkiss and Watkins in some countries.
The Watkis surname is strongly associated with the United Kingdom, and can be found amongst rising numbers throughout all its countries. It is a widespread surname throughout England, and Scotland, where it ranks in the top 50 surnames.
Watkis is mostly an occupational surname that probably derives from the Middle English ‘wat(t)’ meaning ‘pond’, thus a maker or keeper of ponds or pools, referring to a person who worked with and lived near fish-bearing waters..
The Watkis surname is also seen amongst the Igbo people of Nigeria, where it originated from Makurdi in Benue State and spread across Nigeria. In the beginning, the Watkis surname was originally from Nigeria but the addition of the letter "K" was later added and adopted by the British as a way to differentiate an African name from the traditional English version.
In conclusion, the name Watkis is of British-Nigerian origin and is derived from several different countries and varying languages. This last name is an occupational surname that speaks to a maker or keeper of ponds or pools. Watkis is most commonly found in the United Kingdom but is also prevalent amongst the Igbo people of Nigeria.
Order DNA origin analysisWatkis: Where does the name Watkis come from?
The last name Watkis is found in many places around the world, although the highest concentration is in the United States and parts of Europe.
In the United States, Watkis is most commonly found in the states of Alabama, California, Washington, New Jersey and Florida, according to records from the US Census Bureau. In Europe, Watkis is most commonly found in England, Germany, Austria, and France.
In England, Watkis is found most often in the counties of Surrey, Kent, Essex, and Hampshire. In Germany, one can find Watkis in the states of Thuringen and Bayern. In Austria, it is primarily found in Vienna, while in France it is primarily found in the departments of Ile-de-France and Rhone-Alpes.
According to online genealogy records, the origin of the name Watkis is believed to be Germanic, derived from the word ‘wacht’ which means guard or warrior.
The Watkis surname is not overly common around the world but is still found in many places, a testament to the family’s endurance and spread over centuries.
Variations of the surname Watkis
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Watkis are:
Watkins - This is the most popular version of the surname Watkis. It is thought to have originated in Wales, and is derived from the Old English elements ‘waet-cynn’, meaning ‘enclosed settlement or village.’ The spelling Watkins is now more common in England and Scotland, while Watkis is more popular in the United States and Australia.
Watkiss - Watkiss is a form of the surname Watkis, which has its origins in England and Wales. It is derived from the Old English ‘waet-cynn’, meaning ‘enclosed settlement or village.’ The spelling Watkiss is more common in the United States and Australia.
Watkinson - This is a spelling of the surname Watkis, which originated in northern England. It is derived from the Old English ‘waet-cynn’, meaning ‘enclosed settlement or village.’ The spelling is more common in the United States and Australia.
Watkin - Watkin is a spelling of the surname Watkis. It originates from the Old English ‘waet-cynn’, meaning ‘enclosed settlement or village.’ The spelling Watkin is more common in England and Scotland, while Watkis is more popular in the United States and Australia.
Watkinson - Watkinson is another form of the surname Watkis. It is derived from the Old English ‘waet-cynn’, meaning ‘enclosed settlement or village.’ The spelling Watkinson is more popular in the United States and Australia.
Watkinss - Watkinss is another form of the surname Watkis. It typically originates in England, and is derived from the Old English ‘waet-cynn’, meaning ‘enclosed settlement or village.’ This spelling is more common in the United States and Australia.
Watkinsohn - Watkinsohn is a variation of the surname Watkis. It originates in Germany and is derived from the Old English ‘waet-cynn’, meaning ‘enclosed settlement or village.’ This spelling is more popular in the United States and Australia.
Famous people with the name Watkis
- Nicole Watkis Porter: former Member of Parliament in Jamaica.
- Dallas Watkis: Entrepreneur, Writer, and Speaker.
- Kayla Watkis: award-winning journalist and media executive.
- Donna Watkis: Professional director, executive producer, and lecturer.
- Floyd Watkis: Member of the Jamaican Senate and former Minister of Health.
- Alexander Watkis: Professional boxer.
- Brett Watkis: Professional CrossFit athlete.
- Jevon Watkis: Reggae, Dancehall, and Afrobeats Producer and DJ.
- Judy Watkis: Professional actress and singer.
- Kali Watkis: Television Journalist and producer.