WATERMAN
Waterman
Waterman is a surname of English origin, derived from the occupation of a waterman. Watermen were historically individuals responsible for ferrying passengers and goods across bodies of water, usually rivers, in small boats or ferries. This occupation was particularly common along the River Thames in London.
The surname Waterman is first recorded in England in the early 13th century. Individuals with this surname are likely to have ancestors who worked as watermen, reflecting their close connection to rivers and waterways.
Throughout history, watermen played a vital role in transportation and trade, providing essential services for the movement of people and goods. The skills required for the job were passed down through generations within families, leading to the establishment of the Waterman's Company in London in 1555, which regulated the profession.
Today, the surname Waterman can be found across the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world, carried by descendants of those who worked on the waterways. It serves as a reminder of the important role that watermen played in the country's maritime history and transport infrastructure.
There are approximately 4,009 people named Waterman in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,331st most common surname in Britain. Around 62 in a million people in Britain are named Waterman.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Keith
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Ann
- Anna
- Dorothy
- Emma
- Helen
- Joanne
- Karen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Michelle
- Pamela
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.