Burr is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Old Gaelic word "buar," which means "brown." It was originally used as a surname, but it has also been used as a given name in some cases.
The name Burr has a long history in Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, it was often used as a nickname for someone with brown hair or a dark complexion. In Ireland, the name was associated with the O'Burre family, who were of Norman descent and settled in County Tipperary.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Burr. Aaron Burr (1756-1836) was an American politician who served as Vice President of the United States under Thomas Jefferson from 1801 to 1805. He is also known for his duel with Alexander Hamilton in 1804, in which Hamilton died.
Another notable bearer of the name Burr was the American actor Raymond Burr (1917-1993), who was best known for his role as Perry Mason in the television series "Perry Mason" and its numerous spin-offs. He also portrayed the title character in the television series "Ironside."
In literature, the name Burr appears in Herman Melville's novel "Moby-Dick," where it is the given name of a crew member on the whaling ship Pequod.
Today, Burr is still used as both a surname and a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries. It has a strong and somewhat rugged sound to it, which may appeal to parents looking for a unique yet masculine name for their son. However, its meaning and origin are not widely known, making it an interesting choice for those who appreciate lesser-known names with historical significance.
The given statistics show the annual births of babies named Burr in the United States between 1880 and 1976. During this period, there were a total of 803 babies named Burr.
The highest number of births occurred in 1922 with 23 babies named Burr. However, it seems that the popularity of the name has fluctuated over time. Between 1957 and 1965, there were less than 8 births each year, indicating a decline in popularity during this period.
Interestingly, between 1912 and 1919, there was an increase in popularity with at least 16 births each year, reaching a peak of 23 births in 1916. After that, the popularity decreased again until it reached its lowest point between 1957 and 1965.
Overall, while the name Burr has had periods of popularity over time, it has never been one of the most common names given to babies in the United States during this period.