Surname Burks - Meaning and Origin

Discovering the Burks: A Journey into My Linage Through iGENEA DNA Test

Engaging with iGENEA's DNA testing was enlightening in tracing the lineage of my family name, Burks. The surprising discovery of Northern England and Southern Scotland roots and Viking connections has deepened my understanding of my heritage in an unexpectedly fascinating way.

B. Burks

Burks: What does the surname Burks mean?

The surname Burks is of English and Irish origin. It is a variant spelling of the surname "Birch", derived from Old English 'birce', for someone who lived by a birch tree or a birch wood. The birch tree was considered sacred due to its light-colored bark and leaves, symbolizing purity and renewal. There's also a topographical element to it, suggesting that families with the name lived or worked in areas abundant with these trees. In addition, it is also considered a variant of the Irish surname "Burke," which is derived from the Old English name "Burgh" meaning fort or castle. In the Middle Ages, it was often given to those who lived near a fortress or worked there. Therefore, the name can be associated with traits such as strength and protection. Like many surnames, it has evolved in spelling and meaning over time.

Burks: Where does the name Burks come from?

The last name Burks is of Anglo-Saxon origin, stemming from Northern England and Scotland. It is derived from the Old English 'burh', which means 'fort' and was often given to individuals who lived near or worked at a fort.

The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert de Burk, which was dated around the late 12th or early 13th Century. Over the years, the spelling of the surname has evolved, with variations including Burke, Bourke, Burk, Bourk, and others.

Today, the name is common in many English-speaking countries, but particularly in the United States, where it became prevalent among early immigrants. Many members of the Burks family migrated to the U.S. during the 17th and 18th centuries, settling mainly in Virginia, and later spreading throughout the country. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, Burks ranks as the 810th most common surname in the country. Other regions where the surname is commonly found include the United Kingdom and Australia.

Variations of the surname Burks

The surname Burks has various alternative spellings and related surnames that may originate from the same roots. These may include Burke, Bourke, Burk, Bourbon, Burkeen, Bourk, Burket, Bark, Barkes, Birks, Burkes, De Burgh, and De Burgo.

These variations have been products of both regional dialects and immigration. In many cases, surnames were phonetically spelled by immigration officers upon an individual's arrival to a new country, leading to various spellings of the original surname.

The original surname likely comes from the Old English "burh" and "burc," meaning "a fortified place." Thus, the various surnames derived from it might have been given to people living near a fort or someone who came from a fortified town.

Some of these variations, like Bourke, are more commonly found in Ireland, others like De Burgh or De Burgo, appear more frequently in Anglo-Saxon regions indicating a possible geographical influence on its variants. This diversity in spellings and related names serves as testimony to the surname's cultural and regional variations across history and geographies.

Famous people with the name Burks

• Solomon Burks: A successful American football player.
• Olanike O. Burks: An accomplished military figure and political candidate.
• Billy Ray Burks: A former American football Player.
• Laura Burks: A celebrated Educator.
• Charles Burks : An FBI special agent who was involved in several high-profile cases.
• Dennis Burks : A prominent American politician.
• Olean J. Burks: A recognized author and pastor.
• Michael Burks: An American electric blues and soul blues guitarist and singer.
• Fiona Burks: A successful Australian artist.
• William H. Burks: A Famed U.S. Navy officer.
• Gordon Burks: A renowned author and speaker.
• John Burks: A talented American journalist.
• Cedric Burks: An awarded African-American director.
• Howie Burks: A distinguished American horse trainer.
• Jamille Burks: A famous American dancer and choreographer.
• Justin Burks: An American basketball player.
• Lamontray Burks: An American professional basketball player.
• Aaron Burks: An American football wide receiver.
• Don Burks: A noteworthy software engineer and educator.
• Cornell Burks: A notable American singer.

Other surnames

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