Burnell is a name of English origin that has been used for both boys and girls in recent years, but it's more commonly associated with males. The name has gained popularity due to its unique sound and its association with the famous writer D.H. Lawrence, who used it as a character name in his novel "The Rainbow".
The origins of Burnell can be traced back to the Anglo-Norman family de Burneville, which was prominent during the Middle Ages. The surname is derived from the Old English word 'burna', meaning stream or brook, and the Old Norse word 'hyrðna', meaning enclosure or farmstead. Therefore, the name Burnell could be interpreted to mean 'at the farmstead by the stream'.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Burnell. Apart from the character in D.H. Lawrence's novel, there is also a Burnell featured in Shakespeare's play "King John". In more recent times, Burnell Taylor was an American jazz pianist and composer.
While Burnell may not be as widely used as some other names, it has its own unique charm and history. It's a name that stands out due to its rare usage, yet it still carries a certain familiarity because of its association with well-known figures in literature. If you're looking for a distinctive name with an interesting backstory, Burnell could be an excellent choice.
The name Burnell has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1906. Since then, there have been a total of 2790 births with this unique name.
The most popular years for naming a child Burnell were between 1947 and 1953, during which time there were consistently over 40 births each year. The peak was reached in 1952 with 49 babies named Burnell.
However, the popularity of this name has varied significantly throughout its history. For instance, from 1961 to 1971, there were fewer than 30 Burnells born each year on average. In contrast, during the early 1980s and late 1990s, the number of babies named Burnell ranged between 9 and 16 annually.
In recent years, the name Burnell has seen a resurgence in popularity among parents in the United States. Between 2013 and 2022, there have been over 50 births each year with this distinctive name. This trend suggests that Burnell may continue to be chosen as a boy's name in the future.
In conclusion, while Burnell has not always been among the most common baby names in the United States, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout history. Its popularity has fluctuated over time but appears to be experiencing renewed interest today.