Watkins is an Anglo-Saxon surname and given name, derived from the Middle English word 'Watt', meaning 'water'. It was originally given to someone who lived near a water source such as a stream or spring. The name Watkins is believed to have originated in Wales, where it was used as both a first name and a surname. Over time, it has gained popularity as a given name throughout the English-speaking world.
"Watkins was a popular baby name from the late 1910s to the mid-1940s, with noticeable spikes in popularity during those years."