Burleigh is a unique and uncommon male given name of English origin. The name is derived from an Old English word "burh-leah," which means "fortified town clearing" or "town among the burhs (forts)."
The name Burleigh has been associated with several notable figures throughout history, most notably Thomas Burghley, 1st Baron Burghley, who was a prominent statesman and Lord High Treasurer during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in England. He is also known for his role in the negotiation of the Treaty of Edinburgh in 1560.
However, the use of Burleigh as a given name appears to be quite rare and is not typically found on lists of popular baby names. It has been more commonly used as a surname throughout history, with many notable individuals bearing the name Burleigh or its variants such as Burghley or Boroughley.
Despite its rarity as a given name, Burleigh carries a rich historical significance and may appeal to parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
The Burleigh name has a fascinating history of usage in the United States. From 1892 to 1971, there were a total of 467 babies named Burleigh. The most popular year for the name was 1931, with 26 births. Interestingly, the number of births fluctuated greatly over the years, ranging from just 5 in some years to a high of 26 in 1931. Despite these fluctuations, the Burleigh name has maintained a steady presence in the United States over the course of nearly eight decades.