Gaelic septs & Ulster settlers

Watters

Mac Uaitéir / Ó hUisce / Ó Fuaruisce
Also: Waters, MacWatters, Whoriskey, Toorish

“'son of Walter' (Mac Uaitéir) — or, for the Gaelic septs, names built on 'uisce', water: 'descendant of the water' (Ó hUisce), 'cold water' (Ó Fuaruisce)”

The sept's historic heartland, highlighted. People moved — a name can be found far from home.

Quick answers
Is Watters an Irish name?

Watters has two separate origins. A Gaelic sept and an incoming family ended up with the same English spelling, and they are not related — which one you belong to is a question the surname cannot answer, only the records can. In Irish the name is Mac Uaitéir / Ó hUisce / Ó Fuaruisce.

What does the surname Watters mean?

Watters (Irish: Mac Uaitéir / Ó hUisce / Ó Fuaruisce) means “'son of Walter' (Mac Uaitéir) — or, for the Gaelic septs, names built on 'uisce', water: 'descendant of the water' (Ó hUisce), 'cold water' (Ó Fuaruisce)”. Origin: Gaelic septs & Ulster settlers.

Where in Ireland is the surname Watters from?

The historic homeland of the Watters name is Louth, Donegal, Galway. People moved, so the name can be found far beyond it.

What is the Irish for Watters?

Mac Uaitéir / Ó hUisce / Ó Fuaruisce. Related spellings: Waters, MacWatters, Whoriskey, Toorish.

Looking for the Watters family crest? Read this first — arms belong to people, not surnames, and the honest version is more interesting. Tracing Watters ancestors? The step-by-step guide.

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