The name Watson means 'son of Walter' and was first recorderd in Edinburgh in 1392, where the Watsons held land in the fourteenth century. In 1895, Sir John Watson was made a baronet and the third holder of that title later fought and died it the first World War.

George Watson (1767-1837), who was born on his father's estate in Berwickshire, was a distinguished portrait painter who became first President of the Royal Scottish Academy. Another George Watson served as the Sheriff of Wigtownshire from 1891 until 1925. Today, George Watson's College is one of Edinburgh's leading schools.

James Watson, Esquire, was the last registered clan chief. Armorial Bearings recorded in the books of the Lord Lyon King of Arms, Edinburgh, Scotland, Vol. 2, Folio 178, 1818, describe him as "direct male line from Richard Watson of Saughton, to be described as: Chief of the name in Scotland."