Wat

Wat is a medieval diminutive of the Germanic name Walter. Walter itself is derived from the Old High German elements 'wald' (rule) and 'heri' (army). During the Middle Ages, it was common to shorten longer names into more familiar forms, and Wat emerged as one such contraction. While Walter remained popular, Wat eventually faded from common use as a given name, though it persisted as a surname.

The name Wat is most famously associated with Wat Tyler, a leader of the Peasants' Revolt in England in 1381. This historical figure cemented the name's place in English history, albeit in a context of rebellion and social unrest. Despite its historical significance, Wat never regained widespread popularity as a first name after the medieval period, largely being superseded by its longer form, Walter, and other diminutives.