Watkins

Watkins is a surname of English origin, derived from the given name Watkin, a medieval diminutive of Walter, with the suffix -kin indicating "little" or "son of." As a patronymic, it originally meant "son of Watkin" and later became a hereditary family name. The form has many variants, including Watkin, Watkins, and Watkinson, reflecting regional pronunciation and spelling changes over centuries.

The name is also used as a place name in the United States, where several towns, townships, and unincorporated communities bear the name Watkins. Such usage often reflects early settlers or local families with the surname.

In modern times, Watkins appears in various contexts beyond genealogy. Numerous individuals bearing the surname have been notable in politics, science, the arts, and sports. The name is also associated with a historic American company known for vanilla extracts, spices, and other flavorings, reflecting the family name's long commercial history.

Variants and related names include Watkin, Watkinson, and Watkins as a pluralized or anglicized form. The name remains common in English-speaking countries and continues to appear in records, biographies, and local place-name histories.