Botts

The surname Botts is of English origin, first appearing in records during the late medieval period, around the 13th century. It is believed to have originated as a locational name, derived from a place called Bott or Botts, though the precise location of this settlement has been lost to history. Some suggest it may have been a reference to a small hamlet or farmstead located near a boggy or marshy area, as the name is thought to be related to the Old English word "bot," meaning a dwelling or humble abode.

One of the earliest documented references to the Botts surname can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Bedfordshire, compiled in 1273, which mentions a William de Bottis. The Hundred Rolls were administrative records maintained by the English government at the time, listing landowners and their holdings. This suggests that the Botts family had already established itself as landowners in the county of Bedfordshire by the late 13th century.

In the 14th century, the Botts name appears in various legal and ecclesiastical records. For instance, a John Botts is mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire in 1334, and a Robert Botts is recorded as a landowner in the Feet of Fines for Warwickshire in 1349. These entries indicate that the family had spread across several counties in England by this time.

One notable figure bearing the Botts surname was Sir William Botts (1425-1491), a prominent English landowner and military commander during the Wars of the Roses. He fought on the Yorkist side and was knighted for his service to Edward IV after the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471. Sir William Botts was also a Member of Parliament for Gloucestershire in 1472.

Another historical figure of note was John Botts (1592-1649), an English clergyman and author who served as the rector of St. Giles-without-Cripplegate in London. He published several theological works, including "The Workes of Mr. John Botts Minister of the Word" in 1634, which was a collection of his sermons and writings.

In the 17th century, the Botts surname appears to have been particularly concentrated in the counties of Gloucestershire and Warwickshire, as evidenced by parish records and wills from that period. One prominent individual was Richard Botts (1610-1678), a wealthy landowner and justice of the peace in Warwickshire, who served as the High Sheriff of the county in 1664.

As time progressed, the Botts name continued to be found throughout various parts of England, with families settling in different regions. By the 19th century, there were numerous variations in spelling, including Bott, Bots, Botts, and Bottes, though Botts remained the most common form.