All about the name BURKE

Meaning, origin, history.

Burke is a name of Irish origin and it has a rich history that dates back centuries. It is derived from the Old English word 'burh', which means 'fort'. The name was given to people who lived near fortified towns or castles, as burhs were known in those days.

The name Burke is also associated with the Norman family of Burgh, who arrived in Ireland during the 12th century. They brought their name with them and it has since become a common surname in Ireland, particularly among the Gaelic nobility.

In terms of meaning, the name Burke does not have any specific association with particular traits or characteristics. However, it is often associated with strength and fortitude due to its origins relating to fortified towns and castles.

Throughout history, there have been many notable figures who bear the surname Burke. One of the most famous was Edmund Burke, an Irish statesman, philosopher, and political theorist who played a significant role in the development of modern conservatism. He is remembered for his writings on aesthetics, culture, and politics, including his "Reflections on the Revolution in France".

In popular culture, the name Burke has also been used in various forms of media. For example, it was the surname of one of the main characters in the television series "The Good Wife", while there is also a character named Burke in the comic book series "Watchmen".

Overall, the name Burke is steeped in history and culture, with its origins dating back to medieval times. It is a name that has been carried by many notable figures throughout history, and continues to be used today as both a first name and a surname. Despite not having any specific meaning associated with it, the name Burke is often associated with strength and fortitude due to its historical roots relating to fortified towns and castles.

Popularity of the name BURKE since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

Based on the provided statistics, we can observe several trends related to the number of births with the name Burke in the United States over time.

From 1881 to around 1960, the annual birth count for the name Burke fluctuated between a low of 5 births and a high of 40 births. The number of births peaked during the late 1920s and early 1930s before gradually declining throughout most of the following decades.

Starting in the mid-1960s, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Burke, with birth counts consistently above 40 until around 1975. This period marked the beginning of a new trend where the name Burke became more commonly chosen for newborns compared to previous decades.

From 1976 onwards, the annual birth count for the name Burke ranged between approximately 20 and 70 births per year. There were periods of increased popularity, such as in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when birth counts exceeded 50 annually. However, there were also periods of decreased popularity, with birth counts below 30 annually.

In recent years, from around 2010 to 2023, the name Burke has maintained consistent popularity among parents in the United States. The annual birth count has fluctuated between approximately 50 and 70 births per year, indicating that the name continues to be well-liked by families.

In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Burke has varied over time, it has consistently been a popular choice for newborns in the United States since at least 1881. The name's peak popularity occurred during the late 1920s and early 1930s, with consistent popularity observed from the mid-1960s onwards.