Last Name Burns

The surname Burns is of Scottish and Irish origin, stemming from a variety of sources. In Scotland, it often derived from a nickname for someone with red hair (Gaelic: brún) or a topographic name for someone who lived on a burn or stream (Scottish Gaelic: braighm). In Ireland, the surname Burns is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Beirn, meaning "descendant of Beirn," a personal name derived from the Irish word béarn, meaning "stout" or "strong." The O'Burne sept was traditionally associated with County Mayo in Ireland.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Burns

The meaning and origin of the last name Burns

The surname Burns is of Old English and Scottish origins, derived from the occupation of a burner or someone who works with fire. It originally referred to a person who was a smith or metalworker, as they would heat metal to forge it using a blacksmith's forge, which in Old Norse was called 'bern'. Over time, the name evolved into Burnes, Burness, and eventually Burns in Scotland. The most famous bearer of this surname is Robert Burns (1759-1796), the national poet of Scotland, whose works have made a significant contribution to Scottish literature and popularized Scottish culture around the world. Today, the name Burns is predominantly found in Scotland and Ireland, but it can also be found among the Scottish diaspora in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Geographical distribution of the last name Burns

The surname Burns is predominantly found in Scotland and Ireland, with the highest concentrations historically located in these regions due to their Celtic origins. In Scotland, it's particularly common in Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire - areas traditionally associated with the clans MacBurnie and Robertson who bear this name. In Ireland, the name is prevalent in County Antrim, where it was often anglicized from the Gaelic Ó Brún or Ó Brion, meaning 'descendant of Brun' or 'descendant of Brion'.

The diaspora of Scottish and Irish populations, particularly during the 19th century, led to the dispersal of the Burns surname across various parts of the world. In North America, significant communities of people with the last name Burns can be found in Canada, particularly in Nova Scotia, as well as in the United States, most notably in Texas and South Carolina. Other notable populations exist in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, reflecting a global distribution that has emerged from historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Burns

The surname Burns has several variants and spellings in English and other languages. The most common variations include: Burness, Burnes, Burnice, Burniss, Burnisse, Burnet, Burnett, Burnette, Burnitt, Burnatt, Burnat, Burnath, Burnatha, Burnea, Burne, Burney, Burnei, Burneiou, Burnio, Burnios, Burnius, Burny, Burnye. In some regions, the name might also be spelled as Bernes, Berneis, Biernes, Biarnes, Byrnes, Byrn, or Byrne, among others. These variations can be found in countries like Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales, and the United States. The origin of the name is Old English and means "dwellers by the burna," with burna being an old term for a stream or a body of water.

Famous people with the last name Burns

Notable individuals bearing the surname Burns include Robert Burns (1759-1796), a Scottish poet and lyricist widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and the author of "Auld Lang Syne" and other popular works. In the United States, John Brown (1800-1859) was an influential social reformer and abolitionist who led the unsuccessful raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859, aiming to spark a slave uprising that would end slavery in the U.S. Hannah Burns (1796-1842), born in Ireland, was a pioneer of the temperance movement in the U.S. and worked tirelessly for the cause throughout her life. In the realm of entertainment, Craig Ferguson (b. 1962) is a Scottish-American comedian, actor, author, writer, director, producer, and television host, best known as the host of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on CBS.

Genealogical research on the last name Burns

The surname Burns is of Scottish origin and has Gaelic roots, deriving from the word "Bròn" or "Brun" which translates to "dark brown" or "swarthy". It is one of the most common surnames in Scotland and its Irish variant is "O'Burnain". The first recorded instance of the name was in the 12th century, with a certain Walter Burnard noted in the Roll of Battles of Haddington. The Burns family rose to prominence during the Middle Ages, with Robert de Burnham being appointed Sheriff of Roxburghshire in 1307. Notable bearers of the name include poet Robert Burns, who is regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and American musician Tori Amos. The Burns family migrated to North America in large numbers during the 18th and 19th centuries, with a significant number settling in Ulster, Ireland before emigrating to the United States and Canada. Today, the name is found throughout English-speaking countries, particularly in Scotland, England, Ireland, the United States, and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Burns"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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