Burrowes

Origin and Meaning The British surname Burrowes is of Old French origin, derived from the word burgh, meaning fortified settlement or hill. It was likely introduced to England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The variation of the surname with an -es suffix is indicative of patronymic origin, suggesting descent from an ancestor named Burrow.

Distribution and Variants The surname Burrowes is scattered across various regions of the United Kingdom, with concentrations notably found in England, particularly in areas descended from Norman influence. Variants of the name include Burrows, Burroughs, Burrowses, and Burrowess.

Notable Bearers Throughout history, individuals with the surname Burrowes have made significant contributions in various fields. Some notable bearers include:

  • Sir William Burrowes (1785-1862) - An esteemed Irish judge and politician who served as the last Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in Ireland.
  • John Burrowes (born 1963) - A contemporary British actor known for his roles in both theatre and television productions.
  • Lucy Burrowes (born 1943) - A respected British author and poet, renowned for her insightful literary works.
  • Major General Alastair Burrowes (1918-2010) - A decorated British military officer who played key roles in World War II and subsequent international peacekeeping efforts.

Coat of Arms The Burrowes family is associated with a distinctive coat of arms, typically featuring symbols such as a fortified tower, denoting strength and protection, and heraldic beasts like lions or eagles symbolising courage and nobility.

Legacy The surname Burrowes holds a rich legacy within British history, with bearers of the name contributing to the cultural, political, and academic landscape of the United Kingdom. The name continues to endure through descendants who honour its heritage and maintain the family's esteemed reputation.

There are approximately 617 people named Burrowes in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Burrowes.

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

  • Christopher
  • Colin
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Philip
  • Simon

Female

  • Ann
  • Claire
  • Denise
  • Elizabeth
  • Fadzai
  • Janet
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Sheila
  • Susan

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