WATT
Watt
Origin and Meaning
Watt is a Scottish and northern English surname derived from the Old English personal name Wada, which means "advancer" or "pursuer". It is also associated with the Middle English word watt, which means a road or path, suggesting that the surname may have originally referred to someone who lived near a road.
History and Distribution
The surname Watt dates back to medieval times, with early recordings found in Scotland and England. It is believed to have originated in the Anglo-Saxon period and was later introduced to Scotland by Anglo-Saxon settlers. The name is commonly found in regions of Scotland such as Aberdeenshire and Angus, as well as in parts of northern England.
Famous Individuals
One of the most famous bearers of the surname Watt is James Watt (1736-1819), a Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer whose improvements to the steam engine played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution. His work revolutionized the efficiency of steam engines and had a profound impact on industry and transportation.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants and derivatives of the surname Watt include Watts, Wat, and Watte. These variations may have arisen from regional dialects and different spelling conventions over time.
Modern Distribution
Today, the surname Watt is relatively common in Scotland and parts of England. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, primarily through immigration and migration.
Coat of Arms
The Watt family crest typically features symbols such as a chevron, lions, and a griffin, which are common in heraldry and symbolize strength, courage, and protection.
In conclusion, the surname Watt has a rich history and is associated with notable individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Its origins from Old English and its widespread distribution make it a prominent and distinctive surname in British and global contexts.
There are approximately 20,711 people named Watt in the UK. That makes it the 419th most common surname in Britain. Around 318 in a million people in Britain are named Watt.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Robert
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jean
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Wade
- Waght
- Waight
- Wait
- Waite
- Waites
- Waith
- Waits
- Waitt
- Waitte
- Waitz
- Walter
- Wat
- Wata
- Watd
- Wate
- Wates
- Watey
- Wath
- Wati
- Watie
- Wats
- Watson
- Watta
- Watte
- Watteau
- Wattes
- Wattey
- Watti
- Wattie
- Wattiez
- Wattis
- Watto
- Wattoo
- Watts
- Wattson
- Wattts
- Watty
- Watwe
- Waty
- Watz
- Wayett
- Wayt
- Wayte
- Waytes
- Wayth
- Waytt
- Weat
- Weate
- Weats
- Weet
- Weidt
- Weit
- Wete
- Wett
- Wetts
- Wetty
- Whait
- Whaite
- Whaits
- What
- Whate
- Whats
- Whatt
- Whattey
- Whatts
- Whatty
- Wheat
- Wheate
- Whete
- White
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.