Watkynson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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• Wales

Early Origins of the Watkynson family

Early History of the Watkynson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Watkynson research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1665 and 1780 are included under the topic Early Watkynson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Watkynson Spelling Variations

There are relatively few surnames native to Wales, but they have an inordinately large number of spelling variations. Early variations of Welsh surnames can be explained by the fact that very few people in the early Middle Ages were literate. Priests and the few other literate people were responsible for recording names in official documents. And because most people could not specific how to properly record their names it was up to the individual recorder of that time to determine how a spoken name should be recorded. Variations due to the imprecise or improper recording of a name continued later in history when names originally composed in the Brythonic Celtic, language of Wales, known by natives as Cymraeg, were transliterated into English. Welsh names that were documented in English often changed dramatically since the native language of Wales, which was highly inflected, did not copy well. Occasionally, however, spelling variations were carried out according to an individual's specific design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations could be indicated by minor variations. The spelling variations of the name Watkynson have included Watkinson, Watkisson, Watkynson, Wattkinson, Waytkinson, Waytekinson, Waitkinson, Watkenson and many more.

Early Notables of the Watkynson family

More information is included under the topic Early Watkynson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Watkynson family

Many Welsh families joined their Scottish and Irish neighbors during the late 1800s and early 1900s in seeking refuge in North America. Like the Irish and Scottish, many Welsh anxiously awaited the work, freedom, and opportunities that they believed lay in North America. Those who did journey over to the United States and what became known as Canada often realized those dreams, but only through much toil and perseverance. Whenever and however these Welsh immigrants arrived in North America, they were instrumental in the creation of the industry, commerce, and cultural heritage within those two developing nations. In the immigration and passenger lists a number of early immigrants bearing the name Watkynson were found: 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..