Burns is a surname of Scottish origin that is derived from the Middle English word 'burn,' which means 'stream' or 'brook.' It was originally given as a topographical name to someone who lived near a stream, and later became an occupational name for someone who worked at a mill by a stream.
The surname Burns is most famously associated with Robert Burns, the Scottish poet and lyricist who was born in 1759. He is considered one of Scotland's greatest poets and his works are widely celebrated throughout the country. His most famous poem, "Auld Lang Syne," is sung around the world on New Year's Eve.
The name Burns has also been used as a given name in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries. It is often chosen for its unique sound and Scottish heritage. However, it should be noted that Burns is not traditionally a given name and is still more commonly used as a surname.
In terms of meaning, the name Burns does not have a specific definition when used as a given name. When used as a surname, however, it carries the meaning of being associated with or derived from a stream or brook.
Overall, the name Burns has a rich history and is strongly linked to Scottish culture and heritage. Whether used as a surname or given name, it holds a unique and meaningful place in many families' histories.
The name Burns has been a part of the American landscape for over a century, with its popularity fluctuating over time as reflected in these birth statistics.
From 1886 to 2016, there were a total of 584 babies named Burns in the United States. The number of births per year varied significantly, ranging from just one (in some years) to as many as 30 in 1920 and 27 in 1916.
The name Burns reached its peak popularity during the early 20th century. Between 1912 and 1925, there were at least 20 births per year, with peaks in 1916 (27 births), 1920 (30 births), and 1924 (21 births).
However, the popularity of the name Burns began to decline after the mid-1920s. Between 1926 and 1979, there were fewer than 15 births per year on average, with some years seeing only one or two babies named Burns.
In recent times, the name Burns has seen a slight resurgence in popularity. After a dip to just five births in both 1960 and 1961, there was a modest increase, reaching seven births in 1966 and six births in 1968. Most recently, there were six births in 2016.
Overall, while the name Burns may not be among the most popular today, its history demonstrates that it has been a part of American naming trends for over a hundred years.