Burns

“from the brook or stream.” — Associated with rural heritage

Scottish origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1789US 2023

411Births / yr

→Stable

584All-time births

📅 Since 188600.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Burns

BERNZ

/ˈbɝnz/ · stress on BERNZ · 1 syllable

“from the brook or stream.”

Associated with rural heritage · Scottish origin

What does Burns mean and where does it come from?

Burns is a Scottish surname that also serves as a given name. The term originates from the Old English 'burna,' meaning 'stream' or 'brook.' This name has been historically significant as it relates closely to the natural landscape of Scotland, often associated with rural heritage. It's famously lin

Cultural significance

Burns has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scottish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the brook or stream..

Peak popularity

Reached #946 in 1891 — currently #1789 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Burns?

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

Burnes

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Burns?

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

Burns Grace

How popular is Burns right now?

Holding steady — currently #1789 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1895–2023#1789 · Top 1.3%

1895

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1960

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1789	411	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2022	#1794	391	▲ up 5 · +8% births
2021	#1799	361	▲ up 2310 · +7120% births
1960	#4109	5	▼ down 2210 · -69% births
1950	#1899	16	▲ up 1157 · +167% births
1945	#3056	6	▲ up 141
1940	#3197	6	▼ down 418 · -25% births
1935	#2779	8	▼ down 287 · -27% births
1930	#2492	11	▼ down 788 · -48% births
1925	#1704	21	▼ down 365 · -30% births
1920	#1339	30	▲ up 1333 · +233% births
1915	#2672	9	▼ down 1619 · +50% births
1895	#1053	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Burns

Best Year1920Rank #1339

Peak Count411

Average Rank#2386

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202312 years

The story of Burns

Burns has been a beloved American name for over 138 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1886. With 584 total births recorded, Burns remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1053 in 1895, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1789 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Burns in 1891:

John William James George Charles

Burns by decade

Burns peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1890s	12
1910s	123
1920s ★	168
1930s	97
1940s	69
1950s	70
1960s	29
1970s	5
2010s	6

💎Burns has only 584 total recorded births since 1886 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Burns?

Common

BurBu

What names sound and feel like Burns?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Burns also consider these

Burks

International · A International name

Burrs

International · A International name

Bunns

International · A International name

Durns

French · A French name

Burnes

Scottish · Burnes refers to

Berns

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Buchs

International · A International name

Buggs

International · A International name

Common questions about the name Burns

What does the name Burns mean?

Burns means "from the brook or stream." — a name rooted in Scottish 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 Burns?

Burns is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Burns?

Burns originates from Scottish tradition. Scottish 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 Burns?

Burns is a one-syllable name pronounced B ER1 N Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Burns sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Burns flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Burns ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.