Watson is a

patronymic surname A patronymic surname is a surname originated from the given name of the father or a patrilineal ancestor. Different cultures have different ways of producing patronymic surnames. For example, early patronymic Welsh surnames were the result of th ...

English English usually refers to: * English language * English people English may also refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England ** English national ide ...

and Scottish origin. It means "son of Walter": the popular

Old English Old English (, ), or Anglo-Saxon, is the earliest recorded form of the English language, spoken in England and southern and eastern Scotland in the early Middle Ages. It was brought to Great Britain by Anglo-Saxon settlers in the mid-5th c ...

given names "Wat" or "Watt" were diminutive forms of the name "Walter". In 2015, Watson was the 46th most common surname in England and the 19th most common in Scotland.

A

* Aaron Watson (born 1977), American singer * Adam Watson (1914–2007), British international relations theorist and researcher *

Adam Watson (scientist) Adam Watson, FRSE, FRSB, FINA, FRMS, FCEH (14 April 1930 – 23 January 2019) was a Scottish biologist, ecologist and mountaineer. He was one of the most recognisable scientific figures in Scotland due to his many appearances on TV and radio ...

(1930–2019), Scottish scientist *

A. J. Watson A. J. Watson (May 8, 1924 – May 12, 2014) was a car builder and chief mechanic from 1949 through 1984 in the Indianapolis 500, winning the race six times as a car builder. Rodger Ward won 18 races driving Watson cars. A native of southern Ca ...

(1924–2014), American automotive engineer * Alana Watson, English musician * Albert Watson (disambiguation), multiple people *

Alberta Watson Faith Susan Alberta Watson (March 6, 1955 – March 21, 2015), better known as Alberta Watson, was a Canadian film and television actress. Early life Watson was born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1955.Rita Zekas"Alberta's Feeling At Home On Deranged" ...

(1955–2015), Canadian actress * Alex Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Alexander Watson (disambiguation), multiple people *

Allen Watson Allen Kenneth Watson (born November 18, 1970) is an American former Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher who played for several teams between 1993 and 2000, and a current high school baseball coach. Amateur career Allen Watson was ...

(born 1970), American baseball player * Alonzo Watson (1893–1937), African American Communist; died in the Spanish Civil War * Andrew Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Andy Watson (disambiguation), multiple people *

Angela Watson Angela may refer to: Places * Angela, Montana * Angela Lake, in Volusia County, Florida * Lake Angela, in Lyon Township, Oakland County, Michigan * Lake Angela, the reservoir impounded by the source dam of the South Yuba River Fiction * Ang ...

(born 1975), American actress * Anthony Watson (disambiguation), multiple people *

Art Watson Art Watson (January 11, 1884 – May 9, 1950) nicknamed "Watty", was a catcher in Major League Baseball Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball organization and the oldest major professional sports league in the world. MLB is ...

(1884–1950), American baseball catcher * Arthur Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Austin Watson (born 1986), American professional wrestler better known as

Xavier Woods Austin Watson (born September 4, 1986) is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the NXT brand under the ring name Xavier Woods. He appeared on WWE's NXT brand as one-half of the current NXT T ...

or Consequences Creed * Austin Watson (born 1992), American ice hockey player

B

* B. B. Watson (born 1953), American country music singer *

Barrington Watson Basil Barrington Watson (9 January 1931 – 26 January 2016) was a Jamaican painter. Biography Born in 1931 January 9th in Lucea, Barrington Watson made his original mark in Jamaica as a football player for Kingston College. However, he ultima ...

(1931–2016), Jamaican painter * Barry Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Ben Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Brad Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Brandon Watson (American football) (born 1995), American football player *

Brook Watson Sir Brook Watson, 1st Baronet (7 February 1735 – 2 October 1807) was a British merchant, soldier, and later Lord Mayor of London. He is perhaps best known as the subject of John Singleton Copley's painting '' Watson and the Shark, ''which depic ...

(1735–1807), British merchant, soldier, and

Lord Mayor of London The Lord Mayor of London is the mayor of the City of London and the leader of the City of London Corporation. Within the City, the Lord Mayor is accorded precedence over all individuals except the sovereign and retains various traditional power ...

* Bruce Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Bryan Watson (disambiguation), multiple people *

Bubba Watson Gerry Lester "Bubba" Watson Jr. (born November 5, 1978) is an American professional golfer. He has played predominantly on the PGA Tour, and is a multiple major champion, with victories at the Masters Tournament in 2012 and 2014. In February 20 ...

(born 1978), American golfer

C

* Carol Stuart Watson (1931–1986), American illustrator and publisher * Cecelia Watson (fl. 2010s–2020s), American author and historian * Chandra Watson (born 1975) of

The Watson Twins The Watson Twins are an American alternative country band based in Los Angeles, formed by identical twin sisters Chandra and Leigh Watson. Biography Chandra and Leigh were born on March 28, 1975, in Tulsa, Oklahoma and raised in Louisville, Ken ...

, American singer * Charles Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Chris Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Christian Watson (born 1999), American football player * Clarence Wayland Watson (1864–1940), United States Senator and coal company executive * Cliff Watson, English rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s and 1970s for Great Britain, St Helens, and Cronulla-Sutherland *

Cliff Watson (speedway rider) Clifford Grant Watson (28 August 1916 – 23 April 1989) was an international motorcycle speedway motorcyclist who qualified for the Speedway World Championship final in 1949.Bamford, R. & Shailes, G. (2002). ''A History of the World Speedway C ...

, motorcycle speedway rider of the 1940s and 1950s * Clifford Watson, ice hockey player of the 2010s for the

Sioux City Musketeers The Sioux City Musketeers are a junior ice hockey team playing in the Western Conference of the United States Hockey League (USHL). The Musketeers' home ice is Tyson Events Center. The team was founded in 1972, and has won three Anderson Cups ...

and the

San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference, and are owned by San Jose Sports & Entertain ...

* Clifford Watson, rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s and 1970s for Keighley and Hunslet * Colin Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Craig Watson (disambiguation), multiple people

D

* David Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Debbie Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Dennis Wallace Watson (1914–2008), Canadian-American microbiologist *

Deshaun Watson Derrick Deshaun Watson (born September 14, 1995) is an American football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Clemson, where he led the team to a national championship in 2 ...

(born 1995), American football player *

Doc Watson Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson (March 3, 1923 – May 29, 2012) was an American guitarist, songwriter, and singer of bluegrass, folk, country, blues, and gospel music. Watson won seven Grammy awards as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Wa ...

(1923–2012), American musician *

Don Watson Don Watson (born 1949) is an Australian author, screenwriter, former political adviser, and speechwriter. Early life Watson was born in 1949 at Warragul in the Gippsland region of Victoria, and grew up on a farm in nearby Korumburra. Academia ...

, Australian author *

Donald Watson Donald Watson (2 September 1910 – 16 November 2005) was an English animal rights advocate who co-founded The Vegan Society. Early life Watson was born in Mexborough, Yorkshire, the son of a headmaster in a mining community. As a child, Watso ...

, pioneer vegan

E

E. L. Grant Watson Elliot Lovegood Grant Watson (14 June 1885 – 21 May 1970) was a writer and biologist. Among some 40 books and many essays and short stories he wrote six 'Australian' novels and several scientific-philosophical works that challenge Darwinism, o ...

(1885–1970), writer, anthropologist and biologist *

Earl Watson Earl Joseph Watson Jr. (born June 12, 1979) is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the UCL ...

(born 1979), American basketball player and coach * Ed Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Edith Watson (1861–1943), Canadian photographer * Edith Watson (police officer) (1888–1966), British suffragist and police officer * Edward Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Elizabeth Watson (disambiguation), multiple people *

Ellen Watson Ellen Liddy Watson (July 2, 1860Van Pelt, p. 157. – July 20, 1889) was a pioneer of Wyoming who became known as Cattle Kate, an outlaw of the Old West, although the characterization is a dubious one, as subsequent research has tended to se ...

(1861–1889), American pioneer of Wyoming *

Emily Watson Emily Margaret Watson (born 14 January 1967) is an English actress. She began her career on stage and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1992. In 2002, she starred in productions of ''Twelfth Night'' and ''Uncle Vanya'' at the Donmar War ...

(born 1967), English actress *

Emma Watson Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson (born 15 April 1990) is an English actress and activist. Known for her roles in both blockbusters and independent films, as well as for her women's rights work, she has received a selection of accolades, includ ...

(born 1990), English actress and activist * Eric Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Eva Auld Watson (died 1948), American artist

F

* Floyd R. Watson (1872–1974), American physicist and acoustician * Frank Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Fred Watson (born 1944), British astronomer * Fred Watson (Australian footballer) (1882–1968), Australian rules footballer * Fred Watson (Scottish footballer), Scottish footballer

G

G. N. Watson George Neville Watson (31 January 1886 – 2 February 1965) was an English mathematician, who applied complex analysis to the theory of special functions. His collaboration on the 1915 second edition of E. T. Whittaker's ''A Course of Mode ...

, English mathematician *

Gary Watson Gary Watson (born Garrowby Watson, 13 June 1930) is a British retired actor. Early in his career he appeared in Friedrich Hebbel's 1962 play '' Judith'' at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, with Sean Connery. He made more than 40 appearances in ...

(born 1930), British actor * Gary Watson (cricketer) (born 1944), South African cricketer * George Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Graeme Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Gregory Watson, reviver of the Twenty-seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution

H

Hamish Watson (rugby union) Hamish Fergus Wallace Watson (born 15 October 1991) is a professional rugby union player who plays as a flanker for United Rugby Championship club Edinburgh. Born in England, he represents Scotland at international level after qualifying on a ...

(born 1991), Scottish rugby union player * Hannah Bunce Watson (1749–1807), American newspaper publisher * Harold Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Harry Watson (disambiguation), multiple people *

Heather Watson Heather Miriam Watson (born 19 May 1992) is a British professional tennis player. A former British No. 1, Watson has won nine titles over her career, including the mixed-doubles title at the 2016 Wimbledon Championships partnering Henri ...

(born 1992), British tennis player * Helen Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Henry Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Homer Watson (1855–1936), Canadian landscape painter

I

* Ian Watson (disambiguation), multiple people *

Indica Watson Indica Elizabeth Watson (born 20 January 2010) is an English actress. She is known for her work in BBC television drama series '' The Missing'' and for playing the young Eurus Holmes in British crime drama '' Sherlock''. Career Watson's first ...

, English actress

J

* Jack Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * James Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Jamie Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Jasmine Watson, New Zealand artist *

Jaylen Watson Jaylen Watson (born September 17, 1998) is an American football cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Ventura College before transferring to the Washington State Cougars. He wa ...

(born 1998), American football player * Jeffrey Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Jenny Watson (artist) (born 1951), Australian artist *

Jessica Watson Jessica Watson (born 18 May 1993) is an Australian sailor who was awarded the Order of Australia Medal after attempting a solo global circumnavigation at the age of 16. Departing Sydney on 18 October 2009, Watson headed north-east, crossing the ...

(born 1993), Australian sailor * Jim Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Joan Thelma Watson (1953–2015), Canadian French Horn musician and teacher *

Jobe Watson Jobe Watson (born 8 February 1985) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Watson, the son of three-time Essendon premiership champion Tim Watson, w ...

, Australian rules footballer * Joel Watson (born 1986), New Zealand figure skater * John Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Dr. John Watson (fictional character) * Jordan Watson (born 1987), English kickboxer * Joseph Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Josh Watson (American football) (born 1996), American football player * Joshua Watson, settler * Justin Watson (wide receiver) (born 1995), American football player

K

* Kaetaeta Watson, master weaver from Kiribati * Keith Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Kenneth Watson (disambiguation), multiple people

L

* Lachlan Watson, American actor * Larry Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Leigh Watson (born 1975) of

, American singer * Lewis Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Liam Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Lisa Watson (born 1969), Falkland Islands journalist *

Louis H. Watson Louis Henry Watson (September 27, 1906 – February 14, 1936) was a highly ranked American contract bridge player and writer who rose to prominence in the 1930s. A popular personality and one of the most brilliant of the younger generation of con ...

(1907–1936), American bridge player * Luman Watson (1790–1834), Cincinnati clockmaker *

Lyall Watson Lyall Watson (12 April 1939 – 25 June 2008) was a South African botanist, zoologist, biologist, anthropologist, ethologist, and author of many books, among the most popular of which is the best seller ''Supernature''. Lyall Watson tried to mak ...

(1935–2008), South African writer, botanist, zoologist, biologist, anthropologist and ethologist

M

Mabel Madison Watson Mabel Madison Watson (December 16, 1872 – September 12, 1952) was an American composer who taught piano and violin students. She was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to James Madison Watson and Emma Hopper Watson. Her father wrote several school tex ...

(1872-1952), American composer * Mark Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Marvin Watson (born 1976), American rapper better known by his stage name

Messy Marv Marvin Watson Jr. (born March 19, 1976), better known by his stage name Messy Marv, is an American rapper who began his career in the Fillmore District of San Francisco, California. Messy was also known as a collaborator in the rap group Kaalman ...

Mary Jane Watson Mary Jane "MJ" Watson is a Character (arts), fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by Stan Lee and John Romita Sr., and made her first appearance in ''The Amazing Spider-Man' ...

, Spider-Man character. * Mary Spencer Watson (1913–2006), English sculptor * Matthew Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Maureen Thelma Watson (1925–1994), Rhodesian politician * Maurice Watson (born 1993), American basketball player for Maccabi Rishon LeZion of the

Israeli Basketball Premier League Ligat HaAl ( he, ליגת העל, lit., ''Supreme League or Premier League''), or the Israeli Basketball Premier League, is the top-tier level league of professional competition in Israeli club basketball, making it Israel's primary basketball co ...

* Michael Watson (disambiguation), multiple people *

Moray Watson Moray Robin Philip Adrian Watson (25 June 1928 – 2 May 2017) was an English actor from Sunningdale, Berkshire. Life Watson was born in Sunningdale, Berkshire, to Gerard Arthur Watson (1901–1940), a ship broker, who was killed during World ...

(1928–2017), English actor

N

* Niall Watson (born 2000), English professional footballer * Nicholas Watson (born 1977), writer and filmmaker * Nicholas Watson (academic), English-Canadian medievalist * Nolan Watson (born 1979), Canadian businessman and philanthropist

P

* Patrick Watson (disambiguation), multiple people *

Paul Watson (disambiguation) Paul Watson (born 1950) is a Canadian environmental activist, ship's skipper, and founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Paul Watson may also refer to: * Paul Watson (basketball) Paul Watson Jr. (born December 30, 1994) is an America ...

, multiple people * Paula Watson (1927–2003), American singer * Percival Watson (1881–1959), Congregationalist minister in South Australia and Queensland * Peter Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Peyton Watson (born 2002), American basketball player * Phebe Watson (1876–1964), South Australian educator and union activist

R

Ralph Watson Ralph Ramsey Watson (20 January 1936 – 20 June 2021) was a British actor. His TV credits include ''Z-Cars'', ''Dixon of Dock Green'', ''Doctor Who'' (in the serials The Underwater Menace, ''The Web of Fear'', ''The Monster of Peladon'' and ''H ...

(1936–2021), English actor * Raymond Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Reatha Dale Watson, birth name of

Barbara La Marr Barbara La Marr (born Reatha Dale Watson; July 28, 1896 – January 30, 1926) was an American film actress and screenwriter who appeared in twenty-seven films during her career between 1920 and 1926. La Marr was also noted by the media ...

, American actress *

Rebecca Watson Rebecca Watson is an American blogger and podcast host. She is the founder of the blog ''Skepchick'' and former co-host of ''The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe'' podcast. She also previously co-hosted the ''Little Atoms'' podcast. Career Wat ...

, a skeptical blogger and podcast host who founded the Skepchick blog *

Reg Watson Reginald James Watson (27 August 1926 – 8 October 2019) was an Australian television producer and screenwriter. He was executive producer on '' Crossroads'' and created Australian media exports serials such as ''Prisoner'', ''Neighbours'', '' ...

, Australian television producer * Regina Watson (1845-1913) German-American composer, pianist and teacher * Richard Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Robert Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Rodney Watson, American basketball coach * Rory Watson (born 1996), English footballer *

Russell Watson Russell Watson is an English tenor who has released singles and albums of both operatic-style and pop songs. He began singing as a child, and became known after performing at a working men's club. He came to attention in 1999 when he sang "God ...

, English tenor *

Ruth Watson Ruth (or its variants) may refer to: Places France * Château de Ruthie, castle in the commune of Aussurucq in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département of France Switzerland * Ruth, a hamlet in Cologny United States * Ruth, Alabama * Ruth, Ar ...

, English hotelier, broadcaster and food writer *

, New Zealand artist * Ryan Watson (disambiguation), multiple people

S

* Sam Watson (disambiguation), multiple people *

Scott Watson Ben Smart and Olivia Hope, two young New Zealanders, disappeared in the early hours of the morning on New Year's Day, 1January 1998. The two friends had been celebrating on New Year's Eve at Furneaux Lodge in the Marlborough Sounds with other pa ...

, New Zealander convicted of murder *

Sereno Watson Sereno Watson (December 1, 1826 in East Windsor Hill, Connecticut – March 9, 1892 in Cambridge, Massachusetts) was an American botanist. Graduating from Yale in 1847 in Biology, he drifted through various occupations until, in California, he ...

, American botanist *

Shane Watson Shane Robert Watson (born 17 June 1981) is an Australian former cricketer, and occasional captain in all formats, who has played for Australia's national cricket team. He is a right-handed batsman and a right-handed fast-medium swing bowler ...

, Australian cricketer * Shayne Watson (born 1982), Australian professional baseball player, coach * Sheila Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Steve Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Summer Watson, singer *

Susan Kelechi Watson Susan Kelechi Watson (born November 11, 1981) is an American actress. She is known for her work on the television show ''Louie'' and for her role as Beth Pearson in ''This Is Us''. She was nominated for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Be ...

, American Actress of Jamaican parents * Sydney Watson (1903–1991), English church musician

T

Terrell Watson Terrell Anthony Watson (born August 22, 1993) is a former American football running back. He played college football at Azusa Pacific. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2015. Watson has also been a member ...

(born 1993), American football player * Terrence Watson (born 1987), American-Israeli basketball player *

Thomas Watson (disambiguation) Thomas Watson may refer to: Bishops * Thomas Watson (bishop of Lincoln) (1515–1584), Catholic bishop * Thomas Watson (bishop of St David's) (1637–1717), English clergyman Writers * Thomas Watson (poet) (c. 1557–1592), English poet and trans ...

, multiple people *

Tim Watson Timothy Michael Watson (born 13 July 1961) is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). After retiring from the game, he has continued working in the Australian footb ...

, Australian rules footballer * Tom Watson (1932–2001), Scottish actor * Toni Watson (born 2000), Australian singer known professionally as

Tones and I Toni Watson, known professionally as Tones and I, is an Australian singer, songwriter, and record producer. Her breakout single, "Dance Monkey" (May 2019), reached number one in over 30 countries, including Australia. In November 2019, it ...

Travis Watson Travis Watson (born March 20, 1981) is an American professional basketball player. A 2.03 m tall power forward, he led the 2007–08 EuroLeague in rebounds with 9.7 per game while playing for Olimpia Milano. College career Watson played college ...

(born 1981), American professional basketball player

W

* Walter Mother Watson (1865–1898), Major League Baseball pitcher * William Watson (disambiguation), multiple people * Wingfield W. Watson, (1828–1922), religious leader

Notes

{{DEFAULTSORT:Watson English-language surnames Surnames of British Isles origin Surnames of English origin Surnames of Scottish origin Scottish surnames Patronymic surnames Surnames from given names