The name Waters is thought to derive from Walter. It seems to have appeared in different parts of England and we suspect there is no connection between the groups in different geographical areas and that the variation of the name from Walter is purely because of the local accent. Using an analysis of the early GRO death indices, the large concentrations of the name are in Lincolnshire and Monmouthshire, with smaller clusters in Kent and Hampshire. However in the parish registers there is evidence of the name in Lancashire in the 17th century and I currently feel that my direct line goes back in the region to before parish registers. Having said that the earliest definite connection is a marriage in 1749.