First composed in the countryside now known as Wales, the ancient name of Watkis began its life as a name for a the personal name Walter. The surname Watkis is derived from the pet form Wat, which is supplemented by the common diminutive suffix -kin and the patronymic suffix -son, which superseded other patronymic suffixes during the 14th century.
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Early Origins of the Watkis family
The surname Watkis was first found in Yorkshire, at Beeston and Ilkley where they held a family seat from ancient times undoubtedly related to the Welsh Watkins of Pennoyre in Breconshire.
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Early History of the Watkis family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Watkis research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1665 and 1780 are included under the topic Early Watkis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Watkis Spelling Variations
Compared to other ancient cultures found in the British Isles, the number of Welsh surnames are relatively few, but there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations. These spelling variations began almost as soon as surname usage became common. People could not specify how to spell their own names leaving the specific recording up to the individual scribe or priest. Those recorders would then spell the names as they heard them, causing many different variations. Later, many Welsh names were recorded in English. This transliteration process was extremely imprecise since the Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh used many sounds the English language was not accustomed to. Finally, some variations occurred by the individual's design: a branch loyalty within a family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The Watkis name over the years has been spelled Watkinson, Watkisson, Watkynson, Wattkinson, Waytkinson, Waytekinson, Waitkinson, Watkenson and many more.
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Early Notables of the Watkis family
More information is included under the topic Early Watkis Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Watkis family
The Welsh began to emigrate to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s in search of land, work, and freedom. Those that arrived helped shape the industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. The records regarding immigration and passenger show a number of people bearing the name Watkis: Elizabeth Watkinson settled in New England in 1718; John Watkinson settled in Barbados in 1634; John Watkinson settled in New York state in 1774; Elizabeth settled in New York State in 1820 along with Thomas, Peter and Maria..
Wales
