Burdette is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'burh', which means fort or stronghold, and 'dett', an old personal name. Thus, the name Burdette roughly translates to "stronghold of Dett".
The name Burdette has a rich history that dates back to medieval England. It was likely brought to America by early English settlers who immigrated to the New World in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it remains relatively rare, with only a small number of people sharing this unique moniker.
Despite its scarcity, Burdette has been carried by notable figures throughout history. For instance, Burdette S. Henry was an American politician who served as the governor of Arkansas from 1909 to 1913. This demonstrates that while uncommon, the name Burdette has been associated with individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
In literature, the name Burdette has also appeared in works by prominent authors. For example, it is the surname of a character in Eudora Welty's short story "The Optimist's Daughter," which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1972.
Overall, Burdette is an intriguing and distinctive given name with deep historical roots. Its unique origin and meaning make it an attractive choice for parents looking for something different for their child. While not particularly common, those who bear the name Burdette can take pride in its rich history and uncommon character.
The name Burdette has been used for newborns in the United States since at least 1885, with a total of 5 babies being given this name that year. The usage of this name has varied over time, with some years seeing more than one hundred births and others seeing fewer than ten.
Throughout the early twentieth century, the number of babies named Burdette was relatively stable, with a range of 5 to 9 births per year from 1885 to 1909. However, starting in 1912, there was a significant increase in the popularity of this name, with as many as 68 births recorded in 1918.
The peak period for the name Burdette came between 1912 and 1922, during which time there were over 27 births per year on average. However, after 1922, the popularity of this name began to decline, with fewer than 50 babies being named Burdette each year throughout the 1930s.
The usage of this name continued to fluctuate over the following decades, with some years seeing as few as 5 births and others seeing more than 60. Overall, however, the popularity of the name Burdette has tended to decline over time. According to the data provided, a total of 1714 babies were named Burdette in the United States from 1885 to 1979.
Despite these fluctuations in popularity, it is clear that the name Burdette has been used consistently throughout this period and continues to be given to newborns today. This can be attributed to the fact that names often carry personal significance and are chosen based on individual preference rather than trends alone.