Watkins family tree

Origins of the name

The name Watkins can be found as early as the 1500s on records in England and Wales. The name appears to have developed around the Welsh border area. Early records sow the origins in Herefordshire, which of course would once have been part of Wales. Amongst other documents, the name can be found in 'Samuel Pepys Diaries' of the 1600s, in London.

The name was taken to America by many, one of the earliest recorded was a Henry Watkins born in Wales in 1637. Records show that he died in a place called Malvern Hills, Henrico County, VA (America), in 1715. Later family members are documented as having troubles with the local Indians. One recorded a scalping of a family member by Indians. During the 1700s and 1800s the name travelled all over America. At about this time the name was expanding throughout England and Wales.

Famous family

Famous people like Alfred Watkins born in 1855 a pioneer in photography carry the name. The name today can be found in all areas of industry and commerce.

The name today

The Watkins name links to the Wellham family through the descendants of William Watkins born 1812 in Colwall, near Malvern, England. He married Mary born1814 of Mathon, also near Malvern, England. They had a son William Watkins born 1840 in Cradley. He married Harriet of Acton Beauchamp, they had a son George Watkins born 1875, who married Emily of Bishops Frome. They had a son William George Watkins who married Ellen Dallow of Stoke Bliss. Their daughter was Dorris Watkins born 1918, she married Edwin Bullock of Madersfield Malvern. They had a son Anthony James Bullock born 1940.

Anthony Bullock married Christine Sylvia Dunkley of Chatham in Kent. They lived in the Malvern area and had three daughters, Debbie, Diane and Sally. Anthony Bullock later re-married and had a son Gary, with Patricia Nunney. Diane Bullock married Simon Wellham of Worcester. They had two sons Jamie and Luke Wellham.