Burton is a surname of English origin that has become increasingly popular as a given name for boys in recent years. The name is derived from the Old English word "burg," which means fort or stronghold, and the suffix "-ton," which denotes a settlement or town. Therefore, the literal meaning of Burton is "fort settlement" or "stronghold town."
The surname Burton has a long history in England, with its earliest records dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086. It is believed to have originated from one of several places named Burton in England, such as Burton-on-Trent, Burton-in-Lonsdale, and Burton Agnes. Over time, these places became associated with families who lived there or held land there, and the name was passed down through generations.
As a given name, Burton has been used since the mid-20th century but gained popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Today, it is considered an alternative to more traditional names like Edward or Charles, offering a unique yet approachable option for parents looking for something distinctive.
Some notable figures with the name Burton include actor Richard Burton (1925-1984), known for his powerful performances in films such as "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and "Cleopatra," and American Civil War General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson (1824-1863). However, it is essential to note that these individuals are not related through the name Burton.
In conclusion, Burton is an English surname-turned-given-name with a historic meaning of "fort settlement." Its origins can be traced back to medieval England, and while it may not have any direct associations with specific cultural traditions or character traits, it offers parents an interesting and unique naming option for their sons.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Burton in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
From 1880 to 1950, the number of births with the name Burton fluctuated between a low of 34 births in 1880 and a high of 597 births in 1925. During this period, there were several years where more than 500 babies were named Burton.
However, from 1951 onwards, the popularity of the name Burton began to decline. There were only two years (1963 and 1978) where more than 200 babies were named Burton between 1951 and 2023.
The most recent data available is from 2023, which shows that there were 31 births with the name Burton. This represents a significant decrease in popularity compared to the peak years of the early 20th century.
In total, over the period of 1880 to 2023, there have been 22,444 births with the name Burton in the United States. While the name was once quite popular, its usage has declined significantly over time.