Waterman Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Waterman come from? What does the surname Waterman mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Waterman and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Waterman Origin: What does the last name Waterman mean?
The surname Waterman has its origins in England, with records dating back to the early 15th century. Derived from the occupation of a waterman, who was responsible for navigating boats or ships on rivers or coastal waters, the name signifies a connection to water-related activities. Over the centuries, the Waterman surname has remained closely associated with England and the United States, with YourRoots data indicating a global spread to countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Waterman surname significantly increased in the United States, where it remains prominent today. This surname's history reflects a legacy of individuals involved in water-based occupations and highlights how family names can evolve and spread across different regions over time.
Waterman Last Name History: Where did the last name Waterman come from?
Origin of Waterman Surname: Where does the last name Waterman originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Waterman first appeared in records from England around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Waterman spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Waterman: What does the Waterman surname history look like in the early days?
The Waterman surname remained closely associated with England and the United States from the 15th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Waterman family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Waterman surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Waterman surname grew significantly in the United States. The Waterman surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore Waterman last name heritage and Waterman surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Waterman Surame?
Dennis Waterman
Dennis Waterman (24 Feb 1948 – 8 May 2022) was an English actor and singer best known for tough-guy roles in TV series like The Sweeney, Minder, and New Tricks. With a career spanning 60 years, he ventured into drama, horror, comedy, and musical genres. Waterman's childhood in Clapham and boxing background influenced his diverse roles. He started acting in the 1960s, appearing in films, TV shows, and West End productions. His hit song "I Could Be So Good for You" from Minder was a chart-topper. Waterman's legacy lives on in the entertainment industry, leaving behind a rich body of work.
Hannah Waterman
Hannah Elizabeth Waterman (born 22 July 1975) is an English actress known for her role as Laura Beale in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She has also appeared in other TV shows like Doctors and Holby City, as well as stage productions like Calendar Girls. Waterman won the second series of the BBC's Just the Two of Us game show and released an exercise DVD called Hannah Waterman's Body Blitz. She married fellow EastEnders actor Ricky Groves, with whom she has a son. Waterman now resides in Australia with her partner, Huw Higginson.
Cecilio Waterman
Cecilio Alfonso Waterman Ruiz (born 13 Apr 1991) is a Panamanian professional footballer known for his impressive career as a striker for clubs like Sporting San Miguelito, Centro Atlético Fénix, and Coquimbo Unido. He has also represented Panama in international competitions, scoring crucial goals for his team. Waterman's standout performance includes leading Panama to the final of the CONCACAF Nations League in 2025 with a late winning goal against the United States. With a promising future ahead, Waterman continues to make his mark in the world of football.
Pete Waterman
Peter Alan Waterman (January 15, 1947 - ) is an English record producer, songwriter, and television personality. He co-wrote and co-produced many UK hit singles as part of the Stock Aitken Waterman team. Waterman is also known for his extensive collection of historic and commercial railway locomotives. Starting his career in British Railways, he transitioned to music influenced by The Beatles. Waterman's company PWL produced chart-topping hits for artists like Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, and Steps. He appeared as a judge on TV shows like Pop Idol and managed boy band One True Voice. Waterman's contributions to the music industry have left a lasting impact.
Joel Waterman
Joel Robert Waterman (born Jan 24, 1996) is a Canadian soccer player known for his time with CF Montréal in Major League Soccer and the Canada national team. Starting his career at a young age, Waterman played for various clubs before joining Cavalry FC and later transferring to CF Montréal, making history as the first player from the Canadian Premier League to join an MLS club. He has also represented Canada at international events like the FIFA World Cup and the Copa América, showcasing his talent on a global stage. With his skill and dedication, Waterman continues to make a name for himself in the world of professional soccer.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.