What does Burgess mean and where does it come from?
Originally derived from the Old French term 'burgeis', which means a citizen or freeman of a town, the name Burgess has both historical and geographical significance. It has been used as a surname for centuries and has evolved into a first name. It is more prevalent in English-speaking countries and
Cultural significance
Burgess has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a citizen or freeman of a town.
Peak popularity
Reached #972 in 1890 — currently #919 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Burgess?
Burgess works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Burgess Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Burgess Rose
Floral · soft ending
Burgess Mae
Sweet · timeless
Burgess Claire
French influence · crisp
Burgess Jane
Literary · strong
Burgess Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Burgess right now?
Holding steady — currently #919 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #919 | 1,281 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #924 | 1,261 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #929 | 1,231 | ▲ up 8785 · +17486% births |
| 2010 | #9714 | 7 | ▼ down 1530 · +40% births |
| 1990 | #8184 | 5 | ▼ down 3446 · -37% births |
| 1985 | #4738 | 8 | ▲ up 237 · +14% births |
| 1980 | #4975 | 7 | ▲ up 556 · +40% births |
| 1975 | #5531 | 5 | ▼ down 2720 · -44% births |
| 1965 | #2811 | 9 | ▲ up 100 |
| 1960 | #2911 | 9 | ▼ down 574 · -25% births |
| 1955 | #2337 | 12 | ▼ down 103 |
| 1950 | #2234 | 12 | ▼ down 359 · -14% births |
| 1945 | #1875 | 14 | ▲ up 238 · +17% births |
| 1940 | #2113 | 12 | ▼ down 154 · -14% births |
| 1935 | #1959 | 14 | — |
The story of Burgess
Burgess has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. With 1,089 total births recorded, Burgess remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #972 in 1890 to #919 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Burgess in 1890:
Burgess by decade
Burgess peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 11 | |
| 1900s | 13 | |
| 1910s | 162 | |
| 1920s ★ | 208 | |
| 1930s | 154 | |
| 1940s | 177 | |
| 1950s | 114 | |
| 1960s | 95 | |
| 1970s | 64 | |
| 1980s | 58 | |
| 1990s | 16 | |
| 2000s | 5 | |
| 2010s | 7 | |
💎With 1,089 total births, Burgess is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Burgess?
What names sound and feel like Burgess?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Burgess also consider these
Common questions about the name Burgess
What does the name Burgess mean?
Burgess means "a citizen or freeman of a town" — a name rooted in England tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Burgess?
Burgess is currently ranked #919 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Burgess?
Burgess originates from England tradition. England names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Burgess?
Burgess is a two-syllable name pronounced B ER1 JH AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Burgess a common or rare name?
Burgess is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.