All about the name

Burgess

Male

« The name Burgess is of English origin, meaning "fortress" or "castle," derived from the Old English word burh. It originally denoted someone living near or working in a fortress, and has since become both a surname and given name. »

#4738 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

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.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Burgess since 1880

Total births
1,089
Total since 1880
Peak year
1922
28 births
in 2010
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years