Surname Waterous - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Waterous: What does the surname Waterous mean?
The surname Waterous is of English origin and is believed to have derived from the old English word "waterhūs," which means "water house." It may have been used to characterize someone who lived near or worked in a water mill, or perhaps near a water source such as a river or stream. Surnames often originated as nicknames or ways of identifying individuals based on where they lived, their occupation, or some distinguishing characteristic. Therefore, the Waterous surname likely denotes a relationship to water in some way. It is important to note that the precise significance of the name could differ based on geographical location and historical context. As it is with most surnames, specifics of individual family lineages may also alter the interpretation.
Order DNA origin analysisWaterous: Where does the name Waterous come from?
The last name Waterous is derived from the old French name De Vaterois or De Waterois meaning "from Vateroy". It was historically most common in Northern France and in some parts of England. Today, Waterous is found most commonly in the United States, as many people with this last name immigrated to the country in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Most of the Waterous family can be found in the western states of the United States, such as California, Oregon, Washington and Arizona, as well as in the southeastern states of Georgia and Florida. A quick scan of public records shows that there are people with this last name living in practically all major cities in the United States.
In Canada, the Waterous name is quite common, particularly in Québec and the Maritime provinces, where descendants of the original French-speaking Waterous family remain. It is also quite common in the United Kingdom, Australia, France, and parts of South Africa.
The Waterous name carries on, with many of the descendants of the original French Waterous family having gone on to have their own success stories. From medical doctors and scientists, to successful professionals and entrepreneurs, the Waterous name continues to be spread all across the globe.
Variations of the surname Waterous
The surname Waterous is a variation of the Anglo-Norman surname Wateres, which was introduced to England following the Norman conquest of England in 1066. It is derived from the Old French word waters, meaning "spring" or "water". The variants of Waterous include Wetherell, Wetherill, Wetherall, Witherall, Witherill, and Withers. In some cases, the spelling of Waterous can also be found as Waters.
In addition to these spelling variations, there are several other surnames of similar origins that are derived from the same root word. These names include Watterel, Watrel, Watrell, Watters, Watson, Watt and Wattes. The last three names have a Scottish origin, as the Scots adopted the surname from the English and Norman invaders in the 17th century.
The surname Waterous is also found in various countries such as Canada, the United States, France, Germany, Sweden, and other parts of Europe. In Scotland, the surnames Waterous and Watherson are also found, as well as Wattens, Watties, and Wattson.
Given its multiple origins and spellings, the surname Waterous is quite common around the world. However, it still retains its Norman French roots, being used as an indication of kinship and family history.
Famous people with the name Waterous
1. Andrew Waterous: Canadian scholar and doctor in policy, Doctor of Jurisprudence and Lecturer in law at The University of Alberta. 2. Robb Waterous: American rock climber and one of the first people to measure the heights and angles of cliffs during climbs. 3. Andrew Waterous: Canadian General Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, Commander of the Canadian Army and former Associate Deputy Minister of National Defence. 4. Alfred Waterous: American industrialist who founded Waterous Fire Pump Company, which specialized in creating and manufacturing firefighting equipment. 5. Kevin Waterous: Canadian doctor specializing in plastic surgery who currently works in Vancouver, British Columbia. 6. Tom Waterous: Canadian historian and professor at Dalhousie University specializing in the history of science. 7. Lara Waterous: American actress best known for her recurring role as Laura in the TV series Grace and Frankie. 8. Finley Waterous: British singer who first gained recognition on The X Factor and went on to become a solo artist. 9. Gordon Waterous: Canadian doctor and one of the first physicians to perform an appendectomy in British Columbia. 10. Jennifer Waterous: Canadian writer and lecturer specializing in the cultural history of birds.