Watkins is an English surname of Welsh origin, derived from the name "Watt" which means 'small' or 'little'. The name Watt itself comes from the Welsh word 'bach', meaning small. Watkins is believed to have been introduced into England during the Norman Conquest in 1066, when many Welsh nobles accompanied the Normans and settled in England.
The name Watkins has a long history and has been passed down through generations. It was popular among Welsh families who migrated to England during the medieval period. Some notable figures with the surname Watkins include the English poet and dramatist John Watkins (1796-1840) and the American astronomer Charles P. Watkins (1823-1886).
Today, Watkins remains a unique and distinctive name, often found in regions where there has been a historical presence of Welsh people, such as Wales itself, southwest England, and the US state of Pennsylvania.
In terms of popularity, Watkins is not one of the most common names today. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it ranked at number 2,548 among boys' names in 2019, with only 67 babies being given this name that year. However, its rarity can also make it appealing to those who want their child to have a unique and memorable name.
In conclusion, Watkins is an English surname of Welsh origin, meaning 'small'. It has a rich history dating back centuries and has been carried by notable figures throughout time. Despite not being one of the most popular names today, Watkins remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for something different and meaningful.
The name Watkins has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. In the period from 1918 to 1947, there were a total of 21 babies named Watkins. The year with the highest number of births was 1923 and 1929, each with 5 newborns sharing this unique name. However, in 1918, only 6 babies were given the name Watkins. This data reflects a fluctuating trend in the usage of the name Watkins over these years.