The name "Watterson", commonly pronounced /ˈwɑːtərsən/ in American English, derives from the Old English words "wæt" (meaning "wet") and "tun" (meaning "enclosure" or "settlement"). The spelling of "Watterson" may vary depending on regional differences and personal preference, but it typically follows the standard English spelling rules. It is important to note that the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈwɑːtərsən/ accurately represents the correct pronunciation of this name, which features a long "a" sound and a silent "e".
The word "Watterson" is a surname of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Walter", which means "ruler" or "woodcutter", combined with the Scottish Gaelic patronymic suffix "-son", meaning "son of". Therefore, "Watterson" would originally have meant "son of Walter". Over time, it has become a hereditary surname passed down through generations.