As described in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

Lower says this name is probably a corruption of bourdon, a pilgrim's staff,--a very appropriate sign for a wayside hostelry. It may be local, derived from Bour, a house (from the Saxon bure, a bed-chamber), and den, a valley--the house in the valley.

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


Patronymica Britannica (1860)

BURDEN. See Burdon.

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


Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.