Butts were marks for archery. In most parishes places were set apart for this necessary sport which were called "the Butts,"--hence, the name was given to a person residing near such a spot, as "John at the Butts." But signifies a promontory, as the Butt of Lewis, an isle of Scotland. Danish, But, blunt, rough.

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.

BUTTS. The marks for archery. In old times all corporate to's\ms, and most parishes, had a provision for this sport, and numerous fields and closes where the long bow was exercised are still called " The Butts."

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.