Burkhard

strong as a fortress
Germanic origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#1576US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.2%Percentile
How to pronounce Burkhard
buwrk-hart(german)
/buwrk-hart(german)/ · · 2 syllables
strong as a fortress
Germanic origin · Boy name

What does Burkhard mean and where does it come from?

Burkhard is derived from the Germanic elements 'burg' meaning 'fortress' and 'hard' meaning 'strong' or 'brave'.

Cultural significance
The name has historical significance in German-speaking regions and has been borne by various notable figures throughout history.
Peak popularity
Reached #1576 in 2015 — currently #1576 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Burkhard?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Burkhard?

Burkhard works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Burkhard Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Burkhard John
One syllable · timeless choice
Burkhard Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Burkhard Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Burkhard Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Burkhard Kai
One syllable · vintage charm
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Burkhard
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How popular is Burkhard right now?

Holding steady — currently #1576 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1576 · Top 1.2%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#157610stable
2022#157610stable
2021#157610stable
2020#157610stable
2019#157610
💎Burkhard is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Burkhard?

Common
BurBuUrkhard

Famous people named Burkhard

BD
Burkhard Driest
A German actor and writer known for his work in film and theater.
Bv
Burkhard von Hohenfels
A German noble and military leader during the medieval period.
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Celebrity Names
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How is Burkhard written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Burkhard

What does the name Burkhard mean?
Burkhard means "strong as a fortress" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Burkhard?
Burkhard is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Burkhard?
Burkhard originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Burkhard a common or rare name?
Burkhard is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Burkhard more of a girl or boy name?
Burkhard is primarily used as a boy name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.