MacWatters History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of MacWatters

What does the name MacWatters mean?

The age-old Hebrides islands and the west coast of Scotland are the ancestral home of the MacWatters family. Their name comes from the names Wattie and Watty, both of which are pet forms of the personal name Walter. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Bhaididh, which translates as son of Wattie or son of Watty.

Early Origins of the MacWatters family

The surname MacWatters was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the MacWatters family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacWatters research. Another 118 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1620 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacWatters History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacWatters Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, MacWatters has been spelled MacWatt, MacWattie, MacWatters, MacQuattie, MacVatt and many more.

Early Notables of the MacWatters family

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

Migration of the MacWatters family to Ireland

Some of the MacWatters family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 79 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacWatters family

Scottish settlers arrived in many of the communities that became the backbones of the United States and Canada. Many stayed, but some headed west for the endless open country of the prairies. In the American War of Independence, many Scots who remained loyal to England re-settled in Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Scots across North America were able to recover much of their lost heritage in the 20th century as Clan societies and highland games sprang up across North America. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first MacWatterss to arrive on North American shores: George McWatters settled in Philadelphia in 1847; B. McWattey settled in San Francisco in 1752; John and Jane McWhatey settled in New York State in 1811.