Burch is an English surname and given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old French word 'borc', meaning 'pig'. It was initially used as a nickname for someone who kept pigs or had the characteristics of a pig, such as being fat or boisterous. In some cases, Burch may also be a variant spelling of the name Bourchier, which is derived from the Old French word 'bourg', meaning 'fortress'.
The name Burch was brought to England by the Normans during the 11th century and has been in use as both a given name and surname ever since. It is more common as a surname, with notable bearers including Sir John Bourchier, who served as Lord Chamberlain of Ireland in the late 15th century.
As a given name, Burch is quite rare but not unheard of. It has been used sparingly throughout history and may be found in various cultures today, though it remains most commonly associated with English-speaking countries. The name Burch may appeal to those seeking a unique and distinctive name for their child, as it offers an unusual yet historic option.
"The name Burch experienced fluctuating popularity from 1913 to 1958, with the most notable peaks being 17 births in 1916 and a consistent range of 5-9 births between 1920 and 1942. After a dip in the mid-1940s, it picked up again slightly, culminating in 7 births in 1947."