The name Burgess is of English origin and means "fortress" or "castle". It is derived from the Old English word burh, which referred to a fortified settlement. The name was originally used as a surname, referring to someone who lived near a fortress or worked in one. Over time, Burgess has become a given name as well.
The name Burgess has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is George Burgess, an Australian rugby league player who was inducted into the Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2013. Another notable figure is William H. Burgess, an American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Florida from 1897 to 1903.
The name Burgess has also been used in literature and popular culture. It is the surname of several characters in George Orwell's novel "1984," including Winston Smith's neighbor, Tom Parsons. Additionally, the name Burgess appears as a character in the video game series "Fallout," referring to the family that founded the town of Vault 76.
Overall, the name Burgess has a strong and historic meaning that has been carried through generations. It is associated with strength and fortitude, reflecting its origins from Old English words for fortress or castle. While it may not be one of the most commonly used names today, it remains an intriguing choice with a rich history behind it.
The name Burgess has seen a varied history of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 1089 births recorded since 1884.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name saw a slow but steady increase in usage. The first significant spike occurred between 1913 and 1915, with 67 births during this period. This was followed by another peak between 1918 and 1924, with 164 births.
However, the name's popularity began to decline in the mid-20th century. Between 1946 and 1953, there were only 77 births recorded for Burgess, a significant drop from the earlier years.
The name continued to be used infrequently throughout the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century. Since 1987, there have been fewer than 10 births per year for Burgess in the United States. The most recent data shows that there were 7 births recorded in 2010.
While the name Burgess is no longer commonly used today, its unique history and varied usage over the years make it an interesting choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a rich past.