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Sign up freeWatts Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the Watts Surname
The surname Watts has its origins in the British Isles, emerging as a patronymic name derived from the given name Walter. In a family-history context, Watts signifies "son of Wat," with "Wat" being a diminutive form of Walter. The name Walter itself has Germanic roots, meaning "ruler of the army." As such, the Watts surname is steeped in history, connecting individuals to a lineage of leadership and military association from early medieval times.
Over the centuries, the Watts surname evolved and spread geographically, mirroring the movements of people and cultural exchanges. The surname gained a strong foothold in England and later in Scotland, before making its way across the Atlantic and other parts of the globe. Prominent individuals bearing the Watts name have made significant contributions to arts, entertainment, and politics, such as George Frederic Watts, a renowned British painter, and Charlie Watts, the iconic drummer of The Rolling Stones, showcasing the cultural impact of the Watts family tree.
YourRoots data provides valuable insights into the Watts genealogy, confirming the surname's presence in the British Isles as early as the 11th century. It highlights how the name proliferated during the medieval period and continued to expand across Europe and the Americas by the 18th century. This dataset enriches our understanding of the Watts surname, illustrating its enduring presence and influence in various domains, including the arts, politics, and sports, as evidenced by notable figures like Naomi Watts and J. C. Watts.
For genealogy or family-tree researchers, the YourRoots data underscores the widespread distribution and historical significance of the Watts surname. By tracing the Watts records, researchers can uncover rich narratives and connections that span continents and centuries, providing a comprehensive view of the family's lineage and contributions to global society.
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Records
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RWRoy L. Watts1921–2011Public Tree Person3 treesScore: ARWRoy L. Watts1921–2011Public Tree Person3 treesScore: A
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HWHenderson N. Watts1895–1964Public Tree Person3 treesScore: AHWHenderson N. Watts1895–1964Public Tree Person3 treesScore: A
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HWHannah WATTS1698–1738Public Tree Person4 treesScore: BHWHannah WATTS1698–1738Public Tree Person4 treesScore: B
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AWAgatha Watts1717–1784Public Tree Person4 treesScore: BAWAgatha Watts1717–1784Public Tree Person4 treesScore: B
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MWMargarett Watts1589–1659Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BMWMargarett Watts1589–1659Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
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RWRichard Watts1595–1654Public Tree PersonParents: Richard Watts3 treesScore: BRWRichard Watts1595–1654Public Tree PersonParents: Richard Watts3 treesScore: B
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SWSir Thomas Robert Watts1690–1749Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BSWSir Thomas Robert Watts1690–1749Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
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JWJohn Watts1756–1823Public Tree PersonParents: Elizabeth Durrett3 treesScore: BJWJohn Watts1756–1823Public Tree PersonParents: Elizabeth Durrett3 treesScore: B
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RWRobert Watts1724–1741Public Tree PersonParents: Sir Watts3 treesScore: BRWRobert Watts1724–1741Public Tree PersonParents: Sir Watts3 treesScore: B
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CWCatherine Watts1792–1856Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BCWCatherine Watts1792–1856Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
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AWAbigail Watts1788–1843Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BAWAbigail Watts1788–1843Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
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MWMary Elizabeth Watts1638–1718Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BMWMary Elizabeth Watts1638–1718Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
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JWJacob Watts1730–1821Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BJWJacob Watts1730–1821Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
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PWPeter Watts1724–1726Public Tree PersonParents: Sarah Dustin3 treesScore: BPWPeter Watts1724–1726Public Tree PersonParents: Sarah Dustin3 treesScore: B
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NWNathaniel Watts1728–1750Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BNWNathaniel Watts1728–1750Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
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FWFrances Watts1770–1851Public Tree Person3 treesScore: CFWFrances Watts1770–1851Public Tree Person3 treesScore: C
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AWAdeline Watts1620–1726Public Tree Person3 treesScore: CAWAdeline Watts1620–1726Public Tree Person3 treesScore: C
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TWThomas Robert Watts1690–1749Public Tree Person3 treesScore: CTWThomas Robert Watts1690–1749Public Tree Person3 treesScore: C
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JWJohn Watts1610–1695Public Tree Person6 treesScore: CJWJohn Watts1610–1695Public Tree Person6 treesScore: C
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TWThomas Watts1612–1686Public Tree Person5 treesScore: CTWThomas Watts1612–1686Public Tree Person5 treesScore: C
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AWAbigail Sophia "Abbie" Watts1842–1907Individual Tree PersonParents: John Watts & Miranda Hall\HullSpouse: Bryan MasonChildren: Ida, Sarah, Charles, William, Herbert, Floyd, Miles, Edith, T., Nancy, FleyedScore: AAWAbigail Sophia "Abbie" Watts1842–1907Individual Tree PersonParents: John Watts & Miranda Hall\HullSpouse: Bryan MasonChildren: Ida, Sarah, Charles, William, Herbert, Floyd, Miles, Edith, T., Nancy, FleyedScore: A
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AWAbigail Watts1820–1896Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Carpenter & Lovie JohnsonScore: BAWAbigail Watts1820–1896Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Carpenter & Lovie JohnsonScore: B
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AWAbbie Wath Watts1857–1942Individual Tree PersonParents: Henry Rev & Letha SmithSpouse: Columbus SmithChildren: Carol, DonnellaScore: BAWAbbie Wath Watts1857–1942Individual Tree PersonParents: Henry Rev & Letha SmithSpouse: Columbus SmithChildren: Carol, DonnellaScore: B
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AWAbram Lawson Watts1832–1905Individual Tree PersonParents: Benjamin Watts & Lucinda VarnerScore: BAWAbram Lawson Watts1832–1905Individual Tree PersonParents: Benjamin Watts & Lucinda VarnerScore: B
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AWAbel Watts1858–1941Individual Tree PersonParents: Joseph * & Nancy HudsonSpouse: Mary LANEChildren: LolaScore: BAWAbel Watts1858–1941Individual Tree PersonParents: Joseph * & Nancy HudsonSpouse: Mary LANEChildren: LolaScore: B
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AWAbraham Watts1781–1830Individual Tree PersonParents: Dempsey SrScore: BAWAbraham Watts1781–1830Individual Tree PersonParents: Dempsey SrScore: B
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AWAbsalom L Watts1811–1886Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Watts & Elizabeth LottScore: BAWAbsalom L Watts1811–1886Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Watts & Elizabeth LottScore: B
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AWAbel Abram Watts1794–1840Individual Tree PersonParents: John Watts & Elizabeth DavisScore: BAWAbel Abram Watts1794–1840Individual Tree PersonParents: John Watts & Elizabeth DavisScore: B
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AWA. Watts1859–1880Individual Tree PersonParents: Rufus Watts & Rhoda SmithScore: CAWA. Watts1859–1880Individual Tree PersonParents: Rufus Watts & Rhoda SmithScore: C
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8W8GGF John Watts1638–1697Individual Tree PersonParents: Sir Watts & Joan LovellSpouse: Alice (Watts)Children: SarahScore: C8W8GGF John Watts1638–1697Individual Tree PersonParents: Sir Watts & Joan LovellSpouse: Alice (Watts)Children: SarahScore: C
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AWAbraham Watts1765–1821Individual Tree PersonParents: Abraham Watts & Rachel BrownsmithSpouse: Ann GlassChildren: Abraham, EstherScore: CAWAbraham Watts1765–1821Individual Tree PersonParents: Abraham Watts & Rachel BrownsmithSpouse: Ann GlassChildren: Abraham, EstherScore: C
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AWAbraham Watts1847–1898Individual Tree PersonParents: Edward Watts & Eliza SnelgroveSpouse: Isabella McKerracherChildren: WilliamScore: CAWAbraham Watts1847–1898Individual Tree PersonParents: Edward Watts & Eliza SnelgroveSpouse: Isabella McKerracherChildren: WilliamScore: C
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AWAbraham Watts1825–1841Individual Tree PersonParents: James Watts & Mary CollinsScore: CAWAbraham Watts1825–1841Individual Tree PersonParents: James Watts & Mary CollinsScore: C
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AWAbraham Watts1792–1817Individual Tree PersonParents: Abraham Watts & Ann GlassScore: CAWAbraham Watts1792–1817Individual Tree PersonParents: Abraham Watts & Ann GlassScore: C
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AWAbraham Watts1741–1815Individual Tree PersonParents: John Watts & Rose WattsSpouse: Rachel BrownsmithChildren: James, Abraham, John, William, Samuel, RachelScore: CAWAbraham Watts1741–1815Individual Tree PersonParents: John Watts & Rose WattsSpouse: Rachel BrownsmithChildren: James, Abraham, John, William, Samuel, RachelScore: C
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AWA. Fred Watts1884–1970Individual Tree PersonParents: Morris Watts & Anna MillerSpouse: Elsie Arnold, Clara GiblerChildren: ElizabethScore: CAWA. Fred Watts1884–1970Individual Tree PersonParents: Morris Watts & Anna MillerSpouse: Elsie Arnold, Clara GiblerChildren: ElizabethScore: C
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Tracing Your Watts Family Lineage
Currently, YourRoots Map does not yet have enough verified historical and migration data to provide a detailed analysis of the Watts surname. However, we’re continuously expanding our global database using family trees, historical records, and DNA-based connections contributed by our growing community of researchers.
As more data becomes available, this page will be updated to include an in-depth look at the [SURNAME] family’s regional origins, early historical records, and migration patterns across centuries.
Famous People with Watts (and Their Family Tree)
Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts, a British actress born on September 28, 1968, in Shoreham, Kent, gained fame through her diverse roles in films and television. Her breakthrough came with David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive" (2001), leading to acclaimed performances in "The Ring" (2002), and "21 Grams" (2003), earning her an Academy Award nomination. Known for starring in remakes and independent films, Watts continued her success with roles in "The Impossible" (2012), "Birdman" (2014), and the Netflix series "The Watcher" (2022). Her work has been recognized with a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, and she is celebrated for her portrayals of complex characters.
Naomi Watts is the daughter of Myfanwy Edwards, an antiques dealer and costume designer, and Peter Watts, a road manager for Pink Floyd. Her maternal grandfather was Welsh. Her parents divorced when she was young, and her father passed away when she was nearly eight. Following his death, Watts's mother moved the family to North Wales to live with her parents. Watts's family later relocated to Australia, where her mother pursued a career in the film industry. Watts's early experiences and family background influenced her acting career.
Alan Watts
Alan Wilson Watts was a British and American writer and speaker renowned for popularizing Eastern philosophies like Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism in the West. With over 25 books and numerous lectures, Watts became a pivotal figure in introducing Zen Buddhism to the Beat Generation. His notable works include "The Way of Zen," "Psychotherapy East and West," and "The Joyous Cosmology." Watts's influence extended widely through radio programs and later digital platforms like YouTube and Spotify, where his lectures continue to inspire.
Born on January 6, 1915, in Chislehurst, Kent, Alan Watts was the only child of Laurence Wilson Watts, a Michelin representative, and Emily Mary Watts (née Buchan), a housewife. His mother's family background, with a missionary grandfather, influenced his early interest in spirituality and the Far East.
Charlie Watts
Charlie Watts, an iconic English musician, was the drummer for the Rolling Stones for 58 years, from 1963 until his death in 2021. Known for his jazz-influenced drumming style, Watts also played with his own ensembles, the Charlie Watts Quintet and Tentet. His contributions extended beyond drumming as he designed record sleeves and tour stages for the band. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004 with the Rolling Stones, Watts is celebrated as one of the greatest drummers in rock history.
Born in Bloomsbury, London, Charles Robert Watts was raised by Charles Richard Watts, a lorry driver, and Lillian Charlotte (née Eaves), a former factory worker. Growing up in Wembley with his sister Linda, Watts developed a passion for jazz music early on, influenced by his collection of 78 RPM records. He maintained a lifelong friendship with neighbor and fellow musician Dave Green, who lived next door at Pilgrims Way.
Jon Watts
Jonathan Watts, born June 28, 1981, is a prominent American film director, producer, and screenwriter renowned for his work on the Spider-Man films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including "Homecoming" (2017), "Far From Home" (2019), and "No Way Home" (2021). Watts' career flourished with films like the horror "Clown" (2014) and thriller "Cop Car" (2015), alongside directing music videos for artists like Fatboy Slim and Swedish House Mafia. His dedication to the Spider-Man franchise even led him to amass a rare spider collection. Watts is also involved in creating a Star Wars TV series and has signed a deal for feature projects with Walt Disney Studios.
Jonathan Watts is married to Dianne McGunigle, a former talent agent and producer. No further details about his parents, ancestors, or family origins are provided in the available source text.
Reggie Watts
Reginald Lucien Frank Roger Watts, known as Reggie Watts, is a renowned American comedian, musician, and actor celebrated for his unique improvisational musical sets featuring vocals, keyboard, and looping machine. He gained widespread recognition as the house musician for the IFC talk show "Comedy Bang! Bang!" and as the bandleader on "The Late Late Show with James Corden" from 2015 to 2023. His creative journey includes fronting the band Maktub, recording viral hits like "Fuck Shit Stack," and collaborating with notable artists such as LCD Soundsystem and Devo.
Reggie Watts was born in Stuttgart, West Germany, in 1972 to a French mother, Christiane, and an African-American father, Charles Alphonso Watts, a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. His family's military background led them to live in various countries, including France, Italy, and Spain, before settling in Great Falls, Montana, where Reggie spent his formative years.
Watts Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname "Watts" has a diverse presence across various fields, including arts, music, politics, and sports. It is associated with individuals from different backgrounds, such as British and American artists, musicians, politicians, and athletes. The name has also been linked to notable figures in law, science, and other areas, highlighting its widespread use and recognition.
VIEW MOREWhere to Find Genealogy Records for Watts
We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Watts family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Watts surname to learn more.
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