Origin of the surname Burgh

This ancient and aristocratic English and Norman-Irish surname was first held by Burhred, the king of West Mercia, England, 852 - 874, and several centuries later by the original earls of Ulster and Clanricarde in Ireland. The surname is recorded in the spellings of Burgh, Burk, Burke, and Bourke, and is particularly popular in Ireland, where it has long held great state. The name is topographical, and originates from residence by, or probably the ownership of, a fortress on a hill. The derivation is from the Olde English pre 7th Century "burh", or the Anglo-Saxon "burg".

The villages of Burgh in the county of Suffolk, and Burgh in Lincolnshire, England, are typical examples of the placename, and both provided early surname holders. The surname is distinguished by being amongst the very first ever recorded (see below), and other recordings include Geoffrey de Burk of Herefordshire, in 1272, and Hubert de Burk of Somerset in 1273. The name was introduced into Ireland by William de Burgo, of Burgh in Suffolk, who accompanied Strongbow, the earl of Pembroke, in the Anglo-Norman Invasion of 1169 and 1170. William de Burgo later succeeded him as Chief Governor of Ireland under King Henry 11 (1154 - 1189), and was rewarded with great estates. Amongst the many interesting name holders was Edmund Burke (1729 - 1797), the leading English statesmen of his day, whilst one of the first recorded passengers to the new American colonies was Jeffery Burke, who sailed on the sloop 'True Friendship" from Antigua to Virginia in 1679. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ailricus de Burc, which was dated 1086, in the Domesday Book of Suffolk.

The surname Burgh. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

The history of the surname burgh is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of burgh. Research into the possible origins of burgh leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname.

The surname Burgh around the world

It is common for surnames like burgh to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that burgh has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where burgh is most abundant are the following.

History of Burgh

The historical journey of the surname burgh can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of burgh. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named burgh are found in every look back in the history of this lineage.

You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname burgh, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of burgh could be modified.

Notable Figures Named Burgh

Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all burghs who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname burgh, even though not all have been documented to our present day. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname burgh who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Burgh and its bibliographic sources

It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname burgh. The bibliography collects information related to the surname burgh, which allows us to learn more about its meaning.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of burgh, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Burgh