Fights
A surname derived from engaging in physical combat or battles.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 137 Americans carry the last name Fights. That puts it at #143,149 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.04 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 2,501,856 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Fights surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
137
1 in 2,501,856
Census rank
#143,149
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
116
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 116 bearers of the surname Fights in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 143149th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Fights, the largest self-reported group is White at 94.8%.
Origin
Meaning and origin of Fights
The surname "FIGHTS" is believed to have originated in England during the late 12th century. It is thought to be derived from the Old English word "feohtan," which means "to fight" or "to struggle." This suggests that the name may have initially been given as a descriptive nickname to someone who had a reputation for being a fierce fighter or warrior.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire from 1198, where a person named Richard Fightes is mentioned. This document provides evidence that the name was already in use by the late 12th century.
In the 13th century, the name appeared in various forms, including Fyghtes, Fightes, and Fyghtys, reflecting the variations in spelling that were common during that time. The Hundred Rolls of 1273 mention a William Fightes from Oxfordshire, indicating the name's presence in different parts of the country.
During the Middle Ages, the name FIGHTS may have been associated with individuals who were involved in military conflicts or those who had a reputation for being skilled in combat. However, it is also possible that the name could have been given to someone who was known for their tenacity or resilience in overcoming challenges.
One notable figure with the surname FIGHTS was Sir John Fights, a 14th-century knight who served under King Edward III. He was mentioned in records from the Hundred Years' War and is believed to have participated in several battles against the French.
In the 16th century, the name FIGHTS appeared in the Parish Registers of Herefordshire, where a Thomas Fights was recorded in 1568. This suggests that the name had spread across different regions of England by this time.
Another individual of note was William Fights, born in 1624 in Warwickshire. He was a prominent merchant and landowner who played a role in the economic development of his local community.
The name FIGHTS can also be traced back to the village of Fightham in Kent, which may have been named after an early settler or landowner with this surname. This connection provides insight into the potential origins of the name and its association with specific geographical locations.
Throughout history, the surname FIGHTS has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, including soldiers, merchants, landowners, and members of the gentry. While the exact origins and meanings behind the name may have evolved over time, its connection to the concept of fighting or struggling has remained a consistent theme.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Fights
Among Census respondents with the surname Fights, the largest self-reported group is White at 94.8%.
The bar chart below shows how Fights bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Fights surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White94.8%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Fights surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #143,149 | #143,149 | 0.0% |
| Count | 116 | 116 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Fights bearers went from 116 to 116 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #143,149 to #143,149.
FAQ
Fights surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Fights?
The surname Fights holds position #143,149 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 137 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Fights surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Fights, the largest self-reported group is White at 94.8%. These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.