BURKE
Burke
Overview
The surname Burke originates from Norman and Gaelic ancestry. In Norman tradition, the Burke name comes from the Old English "burg," meaning 'castle' or 'fortification.' Meanwhile, in Gaelic, the name is derived from "de Búrca," indicating 'son of Búrc,' which likely referred to a burgher or a town dweller.
History
The Burke family traces its lineage back to Anglo-Norman nobility who settled in England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. Several members of the Burke clan moved to Ireland, particularly to the province of Connacht, during the 12th century. Over time, they established themselves as powerful landowners and leaders in the region, playing significant roles in Irish politics and society.
Notable Bearers
- Sir John Bernard Burke (1814–1892): A renowned genealogist and author, known for his works on the peerage and royal families.
- Edmund Burke (1729–1797): An influential Irish statesman and philosopher, he is celebrated for his writings on politics, society, and aesthetics.
- Thomas Burke (1906–1971): A British film producer who worked on several successful films in the mid-20th century.
Coat of Arms
The Burke family coat of arms typically features elements such as lions, crosses, and heraldic devices denoting strength, loyalty, and courage. The design may vary depending on the specific branch of the Burke family.
Legacy
The Burke surname remains prevalent in Ireland and the United Kingdom, with many individuals still bearing this ancestral name. Additionally, several families of Irish and Anglo-Norman descent proudly carry the Burke name, reflecting a rich history of influence and prominence.
There are approximately 31,360 people named Burke in the UK. That makes it the 253rd most common surname in Britain. Around 482 in a million people in Britain are named Burke.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Catherine
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Burk
- Barke
- Bark
- Barck
- Barkes
- Barkey
- Barks
- Barkie
- Barka
- Barko
- Barc
- Barek
- Baark
- Bruke
- Burka
- Baucke
- Berck
- Berk
- Berke
- Berkes
- Berkey
- Berks
- Birck
- Birk
- Birke
- Birkes
- Birkey
- Birks
- Boarke
- Borck
- Borek
- Bork
- Borke
- Borks
- Borque
- Bourk
- Bourke
- Bourque
- Buerke
- Burck
- Bures
- Burghe
- Burkay
- Burkel
- Burken
- Burker
- Burkes
- Burket
- Burkey
- Burki
- Burkie
- Burko
- Burks
- Burky
- Barcks
- Barki
- Barku
- Bauck
- Bauks
- Baulk
- Berka
- Berki
- Berko
- Borko
- Buerk
- Burak
- Burca
- Burce
- Burcea
- Burckel
- Burcu
- Bure
- Burek
- Burge
- Burik
- Burkell
- Burkett
- Burkis
- Burkle
- Burkus
- Burre
- Burres
- Burse
- Bursey
- Barkess
- Barrack
- Barrick
- Borg
- Brack
- Bragg
- Brigg
- Brook
- Brooke
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.