Burke Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Burke has Irish origins, meaning 'fortress' or 'castle'. It evolved from the Gaelic 'De Burca' and has been in use since the 12th century, gaining prominence among Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland. It reflects traits of strength and resilience and has notable figures like Edmund Burke associated with it.
The name Burke is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Burke has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Burke' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1568th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1540th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1423rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1273rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2483rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2129th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2304th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24119th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 16017th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Burke' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Burke"
Pronunciation
/bɜrk/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Burke is derived from the Gaelic name 'De Burca', which means 'descendant of Burca'. The name itself may have originated from the Old French word 'burc', meaning 'fortress' or 'castle'.
Meaning
fortress, castle
Language Evolution
Burca, De Burca, Burke
Historical Usage
The surname Burke became prominent in Ireland during the 12th century, particularly among the Anglo-Norman settlers who established themselves in the region.
Variants & Derivatives
Burk, Bourke, Burke
Modern Popularity & Image
In contemporary society, the name Burke is often associated with strength and resilience, reflecting its historical roots. It is relatively common in Ireland and among people of Irish descent.
Famous People
Edmund Burke, Thomas Burke, John Burke
Explore More Burke Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Burke"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Burke"
"Burke" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1568th of 7545 | 359 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1540th of 6773 | 377 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1423rd of 7552 | 569 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1273rd of 10718 | 707 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2483rd of 16616 | 406 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2129th of 24088 | 915 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2304th of 23106 | 716 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 24119th of 35406 | 23 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 16017th of 30306 | 47 |
Regional Popularity of "Burke" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
84.53% 2000th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - |
64.71% 1001st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
58.24% 1297th/2227 |
- |
63.97% 1825th/2853 |
39.21% 1088th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
55.16% 1620th/2937 |
- |
55.91% 1967th/3518 |
27.32% 1105th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
60.06% 3794th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
43.74% 2004th/4582 |
55.23% 2852nd/5164 |
42.77% 3128th/7313 |
43.60% 3254th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
41.89% 1669th/3984 |
- |
60.69% 4140th/6822 |
49.90% 3132nd/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Burke" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Burke"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Burke" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.