Burns Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Burns come from? What does the surname Burns mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Burns and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Burn, Burnes, Burness
Surname Burns Origin: What does the last name Burns mean?
The surname Burns has a diverse origin, with roots in England, Scotland, and Ireland. In some cases, it originated as a topographic name for someone living by a stream, from the Middle English or Scots term "burn". Alternatively, it could have evolved from the habitational name Burnhouse, combining "burn" and "house". The surname also has Irish roots as an Anglicised form of Ó Broin, meaning "descendant of Bran". Additionally, it can be an Americanized version of the Jewish surname Bernstein, derived from the German word for "amber". Early records show variations like "Burnis" and "Brenhus", indicating the surname's long history.
According to YourRoots data, the surname Burns has been present since the 15th century, primarily in the United Kingdom. Over time, it spread to countries like the United States, establishing a significant presence. Today, the Burns surname is found globally, reflecting migration patterns and cultural influences. While specific country details are not provided, the surname's prevalence suggests a widespread legacy linked to streams, houses, and ancestral ties, making it a distinctive and enduring name across diverse populations.
Burns Last Name History: Where did the last name Burns come from?
Origin of Burns Surname: Where does the last name Burns originate from?
The earliest record of the surname Burns, as per the YourRoots database, is traced back to England in the United Kingdom around the early 15th century. This information is based solely on the exact "Burns" spelling within the YourRoots database and does not account for other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Burns: What does the Burns surname history look like in the early days?
In the earliest centuries on record, the "Burns" surname was most frequently found in the United Kingdom, specifically in England and Scotland. As the centuries passed, the volume of Burns records began to increase, particularly in Scotland during the 16th century. However, it was in the United States where the growth of Burns records significantly increased, starting from the 18th century. Please note that this data is based solely on the YourRoots database and may not provide a complete global picture of the Burns surname history.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Burns surname today?
Based on the 19th-century data from YourRoots, the Burns surname has a strong presence in the United States, dominating the records during this period. However, it's essential to note that the Burns surname has a wide global spread and can be found in various countries today. While the specific countries are not mentioned in this data set, the Burns surname, much like many surnames, has likely spread globally due to migration and other factors.
Explore Burns last name heritage and Burns surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Burns Surame?
Edward Burns
Edward Fitzgerald Burns (born Jan 29, 1968) is an American actor and filmmaker known for his work in indie films like The Brothers McMullen. He has also appeared in mainstream movies like Saving Private Ryan and has directed films such as She's the One and Sidewalks of New York.
Brooke Burns
Brooke Elizabeth Burns (born Mar 16, 1978) is an American model, actress, and game show host. She is known for her roles in Baywatch, North Shore, and hosting shows like Dog Eat Dog and The Chase. Burns has also appeared in films like Shallow Hal and Where Hope Grows.
Heather Burns
Heather Joan Burns is an American actress (April 7, 1975 - present). She is best known for her roles in popular romantic comedies such as "You've Got Mail" and "Miss Congeniality." Burns has appeared in various films and TV shows, including collaborations with Sandra Bullock and Zach Galifianakis.
Catherine Lloyd Burns
Catherine Lloyd Burns is an American actress and author best known for her role as Caroline Miller in the TV series Malcolm in the Middle. She has also written books like It Hit Me Like a Ton of Bricks and The Good, the Bad & the Beagle.
Catherine Burns
Catherine Burns (September 25, 1945 - February 2, 2019) was an accomplished American actress known for her Academy Award-nominated role in "Last Summer" (1969). She also appeared on Broadway and television, later transitioning to writing children's books and screenplays. Burns lived a private life in retirement, passing away at 73 from complications of a fall.
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