Burke is a surname and given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Old Irish word "macadh" which means "son of." The name was originally used as a patronymic, indicating that the bearer was a son of a man named Ó'Catháin.
The most famous family to bear this name was the Burke family of County Mayo in Ireland. They were one of the twelve Tribes of Galway and held significant political power during the Middle Ages. The surname Burke is still quite common today, not only in Ireland but also throughout the English-speaking world due to Irish immigration.
As a given name, Burke has gained popularity in recent years. It has a strong and powerful sound to it, which may appeal to parents looking for a unique yet robust name for their child. However, it's important to note that using this name as a given name is less common than using it as a surname.
In terms of meaning, the name Burke does not have any specific attributes associated with it outside of its Irish heritage and historical significance. It is simply an indicator of lineage or descent. Nevertheless, its Irish origins give it a rich cultural background and history that many people may find appealing.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe some trends regarding the birth frequency of the name Burke in the United States over several years.
Between 1999 and 2023, there were a total of 70 births with the name Burke. The highest number of births occurred in recent years, with 10 babies named Burke in 2017. This year marked an increase compared to previous years, indicating that the popularity of this name has been growing recently.
Interestingly, the years 2009 to 2011 saw a consistent number of births with the name Burke, with six births each year. This suggests stability and familiarity with the name during these years.
However, there was a decline in the usage of the name Burke after 2017, with only five babies named Burke in both 2020 and 2021. This decrease might indicate that parents are exploring other names or that trends have shifted towards different names over time. It will be interesting to observe if this trend continues in future years.
Despite the fluctuations in popularity, it's clear that the name Burke has maintained a consistent presence among American baby names since 1999, with at least five births each year up until the most recent data point in 2023.