The English surname Batson is of patronymic origin, being of that category of surnames derived from the first name of the parent of the original bearer. In this instance, the name simply denotes one who is the "son of Bate", a pet form of the personal name Bartholomew, which is derived from the Hebrew, meaning "son of Talmai (abounding in furrows)" and associated chiefly with the disciple Saint Bartholomew, who was martyred by being flayed alive with a knife. This name undoubtedly became popular following the advent of Christianity, when parents were encouraged to name their children for saints and Biblical figures.

      This name may be found in written records as early as the fourteenth century. In 1327, one John Batessone is noted in the "Subsidy Rolls" for Derbyshire and in 1467, a John Battson is mentioned in the "Register of the Guild of the Corpus Christi in the city of York".

      A notable bearer of this name was the Honourable Sir Alexander Dingwall Bateson, who held the post of junior counsel to the Admiralty for Admiralty Division Work and later became a justice of the High Court of Justice in 1925.

BLAZON OF ARMS: Argent, three bats' wings sable, on a chief gules, a lion passant or.

Translation: The lion, as king of beasts, is associated with Majesty and Kingship. It is also emblematic of Strength, Courage and Generosity. The chief denotes Dominion and Authority and was granted in arms as a reward for service on the field of battle.

CREST: A bat's wing sable.

MOTTO: Nocte Volamus.

Translation: "We Fly By Night."

ORIGIN: ENGLAND


Batson Coat of Arms