McWatt History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of McWatt

What does the name McWatt mean?

The McWatt family history stretches back to the clans of the Dalriadan kingdom on the sea-swept Hebrides islands and mountainous western coast of Scotland. The name McWatt is derived 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 McWatt family

The surname McWatt 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 McWatt family

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

McWatt Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents McWatt has been spelled MacWatt, MacWattie, MacWatters, MacQuattie, MacVatt and many more.

Early Notables of the McWatt family

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

Migration of the McWatt family to Ireland

Some of the McWatt 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.

McWatt migration to the United States +

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name McWatt were among those contributors:

McWatt Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

John McWatt, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1832