BURGESS
Burgess
Origin of the Name
The surname Burgess is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "burg" meaning town or fortified settlement. It was originally used to refer to an individual who lived in or near a fortification or a town. The term "burgess" was also used to describe a freeman or a citizen of a borough.
History
The surname Burgess dates back to medieval times and was commonly found in England, particularly in regions where early Anglo-Saxon settlements were established. The prominence of the name can be attributed to the social structure of the Middle Ages, where individuals were often identified by their occupation or place of residence.
Variants
Over time, variations of the Burgess surname have emerged, including Burriss, Burges, Burge, and Burgis. These variations are the result of regional dialects and transliterations.
Notable Individuals
- Thomas Burgess (1756-1837): A prominent English bishop and theologian.
- Guy Burgess (1911-1963): A British diplomat and spy for the Soviet Union.
- Anthony Burgess (1917-1993): An English writer and composer, best known for his novel "A Clockwork Orange".
Modern Significance
Today, the surname Burgess is still prevalent in England and other English-speaking countries. Many individuals with the surname Burgess have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, academia, and the arts.
Coat of Arms
The Burgess family crest typically features symbols associated with strength, loyalty, and heritage. Common elements include a shield with heraldic devices, a motto, and sometimes symbols representing the family's history or origins.
In Conclusion
The surname Burgess carries a rich history that reflects the social, cultural, and linguistic developments of medieval England. It has persisted through centuries and continues to be a notable name in contemporary society.
There are approximately 40,110 people named Burgess in the UK. That makes it the 185th most common surname in Britain. Around 616 in a million people in Britain are named Burgess.
Surname type: Status name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Burges
- Burgis
- Bulman
- Bullman
- Baugess
- Barges
- Berges
- Bergess
- Bargess
- Bergese
- Birdges
- Brugess
- Barajas
- Bergis
- Bergius
- Birgess
- Borejszo
- Borges
- Borgese
- Borgesius
- Borgess
- Borgis
- Borgs
- Borjas
- Bourgeais
- Bourgeois
- Bourgeoise
- Bourges
- Bridges
- Bridgess
- Briges
- Bruges
- Brydges
- Burdge
- Burdgess
- Burgee
- Burgees
- Burgeson
- Burgesson
- Burgest
- Burgets
- Burghes
- Burgi
- Burgies
- Burgiss
- Burgisser
- Burjess
- Burrages
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.