Battles
An English surname most likely from a byname or place-name linked to battle or conflict.
The #4,606 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 40,086 Americans shares it.
Etymology
This surname is most likely connected with the word "battle," ultimately from Old English and related medieval forms meaning a fight or combat. In surname use, it may have begun as a nickname for someone associated with warfare or as a place-name surname for someone from a site remembered for battles. The historical excerpts do not give a firm, single explanation, so the safest reading is a battle-related name of uncertain exact origin.
History
The surname appears to be uncommon and is not strongly pinned to one well-known medieval family line in the excerpts provided. Because many English surnames grew from nicknames, local landmarks, or event-based place names, Battles could have arisen independently in more than one place. Later bearers are found in English-speaking regions, especially the United States.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The plural-looking ending does not necessarily mean the name is plural in origin; many surnames froze in forms that do not match modern grammar.
From the historical record
“Trefoil, i.e. 'Three Sods or Turves', "so named . . . because when Art, son of Conn of the Hundred Battles, was buried there, three sods were dug over his grave in honour of the Trinity" (Joyce, 'Irish Local Names', p. 90) ; but this place has prob. had no surnominal influence.”
— Surnames of the United Kingdom: a concise etymological dictionary (2 vols in 1)