Watkins of Wales Tartan Collection
Watkins of Wales Tartan Collection
Celebrate the Watkins name with a Welsh family tartan — from Watkin, little Walter, a name long at home in Brecknockshire and along the eastern border.
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About the Watkins of Wales Tartan
The Watkins of Wales tartan is one of the modern Welsh family setts designed in the late 1990s by Sheila Daniel at the Cambrian Woollen Mill in Powys, in collaboration with the Wales Tartan Centres.
These are modern designs rather than ancient patterns and carry no medieval clan history; the phrase "of Wales" identifies the design series. They were created so that Welsh families could mark their own name in cloth.
Watkins Tartan Pattern and Colours
The Welsh setts follow their own conventions of thread and weave. This collection draws on cool teals and greens with darker lines — the colours of the Usk and Wye running through the border country and the long ridges of the Black Mountains.
The Watkins Name
Watkins comes from Watkin — Wat, the familiar form of Walter, with the affectionate ending kin, so little Walter or young Walter. Welsh took the name up as Watcyn, and under the patronymic system a man was ap Watcyn, which gave both Watkins and, in some districts, Gwatkin.
The name is strongest in the eastern counties — Brecknockshire, Monmouthshire and Radnorshire — and across the border into Herefordshire, in the country of the Marches where Welsh and English names have mingled for centuries. The same root gave Scotland its Watts and Watsons, so the name is cousin to families far to the north.
Who Is This Collection For?
This collection is made for those of the Watkins and Gwatkin name, families with Brecknockshire, Monmouthshire and border roots, Marches households and anyone who wants a tartan that names a Welsh family.
- ✓ Watkins and Gwatkin family
- ✓ Brecknockshire and Radnorshire roots
- ✓ Welsh Marches heritage
- ✓ St David's Day and Eisteddfod wear
- ✓ Welsh ancestry gifts
- ✓ Teal and green tartan style
How to Wear Watkins Tartan
Watkins tartan works well across caps, shirts, hoodies, scarves, ties, jackets, blankets and keepsake gifts. Its cool palette is easy to pair for St David's Day, weddings, family gatherings and everyday heritage wear.
Watkins of Wales Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Watkins Welsh tartan, its origins and who may wear it.
Is the Watkins tartan ancient?
No — it is a modern Welsh family tartan from the late 1990s, designed at the Cambrian Woollen Mill in Powys.
What does the name Watkins mean?
From Watkin — Wat, the familiar form of Walter, with the ending kin, so little Walter.
What is the Welsh form?
Watcyn; under the patronymic system a man was ap Watcyn, which also gave the surname Gwatkin.
Where is the name most common?
In Brecknockshire, Monmouthshire and Radnorshire, and across the border into Herefordshire.
Is it related to Scottish names?
The same root gave Scotland its Watt and Watson surnames, so the names are cousins from one origin.
Who can wear the Watkins tartan?
Anyone of the Watkins or Gwatkin name, or with a Welsh family connection.
Wear the Watkins of Wales Tartan
Discover Watkins tartan clothing, accessories and gifts — Usk teal and border green for a name of the Marches.
View Watkins Tartan Clothing