Burnett is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the Old English word "burnet," which means "from the burn" or stream. The name was likely given to someone who lived near a stream or had some other association with water.
The earliest recorded use of the Burnett surname dates back to the 13th century in Scotland. Over time, the name has spread and can now be found among populations around the world, particularly in Scotland, England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
While Burnett is primarily a surname, it can also be used as a given name for boys. In fact, there are several notable individuals with the first name Burnett, including American actor Burnett Guffey and Australian cricketer Burnett Gibson.
Overall, Burnett is a strong and distinct name with a rich history rooted in Scotland and its landscapes. Its meaning, derived from the word "burnet," adds to its unique appeal and makes it a popular choice for parents looking for a meaningful and memorable name for their child.
The name Burnett has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 1561 babies being given this name between 1882 and 1994.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can observe several trends. In the late 19th century, there were fewer than 10 births each year with the name Burnett, with numbers ranging from 5 to 9 between 1882 and 1898. However, the early 20th century saw a significant increase in popularity for this name, with over 10 births each year from 1907 onwards.
The peak years for the name Burnett were during World War I, with 40 births in 1917 and 37 births in both 1918 and 1919. This could potentially be attributed to the patriotic spirit of the time or simply a fashion trend that emerged during this period.
After the war, the popularity of Burnett continued to fluctuate but remained relatively high until the mid-1940s, with numbers ranging from 16 to 38 births per year. However, after 1950, there was a steady decline in the usage of the name Burnett, with fewer than 20 births each year.
In recent decades, Burnett has become quite rare as a baby boy's name in the United States, with only 5 or fewer births recorded between 1976 and 1994. Despite this decline, it is important to note that even today there are still some families who choose this unique and timeless name for their children.
Overall, while Burnett may not be among the most popular names in recent years, its history reflects a fascinating story of waxing and waning popularity over more than a century.