Burks

Origin and Meaning
Burks is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the medieval personal name Burk, which itself originated from the Old English name Burgh, meaning "fortress" or "stronghold".

Distribution
The surname Burks is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England, Scotland, and Wales. It is also present in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variants
Variants of the surname Burks include Burke, Bourke, and Burk.

Famous Bearers

  • Edmund Burke (1729–1797): Irish statesman, author, and philosopher known for his support of the American colonies in their quest for independence.
  • Donna Tartt (b. 1963): American author whose full name is Donna Tartt-Burks.
  • Ella Smith-Burk (1890–1968): Leading suffragette and women's rights activist in the early 20th century.

Coat of Arms
The Burks family coat of arms features symbols such as a shield, crest, and motto that represent the heritage and values of the family.

Genealogy
The Burks surname has a rich genealogical history, with various branches of the family tree tracing their roots back through the centuries. Genealogy records can be found in archives, libraries, and online databases for those interested in exploring their Burks ancestry.

Modern Day
In contemporary times, individuals with the surname Burks can be found in a variety of professions and industries, contributing to the cultural, political, and economic landscape in the United Kingdom and beyond.

There are approximately 481 people named Burks in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Burks.

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
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Nicholas
  • Paul
  • Philip
  • Steven
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Angela
  • Barbara
  • Donna
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Joan
  • Kelly
  • Michelle
  • Nicola
  • Rachel
  • Rita
  • Sandra
  • Wendy

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