"from the borough farm"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Burton
Pronunciation: [ b-ERT-uhn ]
Does Burton flow with your last name?
A distinguished English surname with old-Hollywood cool
English
American
Vintage
Classic
Strong
Traditional
Sophisticated
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The Story of Burton
Burton is an Old English place name and surname meaning 'fortified settlement' or 'farmstead near a fortress,' from the Old English elements 'burh' (fortified place) and 'tun' (settlement, farm). It was one of thousands of Anglo-Saxon place names in England that became hereditary surnames in the medieval period, and later made the journey into use as first names — a classic path for English surnames.
Burton enjoyed significant popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century, when surname names for boys were fashionable. It peaked in the 1920s-1960s, carried by the cultural prestige of British actor Richard Burton. It has since declined but retains a distinguished, retro-cool quality that has attracted renewed interest from parents seeking vintage names.
The name is particularly associated with British and American culture, evoking the industrious English countryside from which it came. In the U.S., it has a distinctly old-Hollywood, mid-century feel.
Historical Record
Burton first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 6,200 babies have been named Burton in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Burton is past its peak , currently ranked #5,080 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Richard Burton (1925-1984), the legendary Welsh actor, was born Richard Jenkins and took the surname Burton from his mentor Philip Burton
- Sir Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890) was the Victorian explorer who first translated the Kama Sutra into English and made the first European pilgrimage to Mecca
- There are over 30 places named Burton in England, testament to how common fortified settlements were in Anglo-Saxon times
Burton in Other Languages
French
Burton
German
Burton
Spanish
Burton
Japanese
バートン
Popularity Over Time
#5,080
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Burton
T
Tim Burton
Artist
1958
American film director known for gothic, whimsical films including Edward Scissorhands, Batman, and The Nightmare Before...
American film director known for gothic, whimsical films including Edward Scissorhands, Batman, and The Nightmare Before Christmas
R
Richard Burton
Actor
1925
Legendary Welsh actor known for his rich voice, acclaimed stage performances, and tumultuous marriage to Elizabeth Taylo...
Legendary Welsh actor known for his rich voice, acclaimed stage performances, and tumultuous marriage to Elizabeth Taylor
R
Richard Francis Burton
Explorer
1821
Victorian explorer, linguist, and writer who made the first European pilgrimage to Mecca in disguise and translated the ...
Victorian explorer, linguist, and writer who made the first European pilgrimage to Mecca in disguise and translated the Arabian Nights
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Compare Burton with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,080
- Total SSA Count
- 19
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Burt
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Burton
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Burton is also used as a girl name, ranked #69083.
View Burton as a girl name →Similar Names
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Hebrew origin
"happy, fortunate, blessed"
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Anglo-Saxon origin
"Ella's town or estate"
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"regal and precious"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Burton
What does the name Burton mean?
"from the borough farm" (from Old English). Burton is an Old English place name and surname meaning 'fortified settlement' or 'farmstead near a fortress,' from the Old English elements 'burh' (fortified place) and 'tun' (settlement, farm). It was one of thousands of Anglo-Saxon place names in England that became hereditary surnames in the medieval period, and later made the journey into use as first names — a classic path for English surnames.
What is the origin of the name Burton?
Burton has Old English, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "from the borough farm".
Is Burton a boy or girl name?
Burton is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5080. As a girl name, it is ranked #69083. Burton is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Burton?
Burton is pronounced b-ERT-uhn.
How popular is the name Burton?
Burton is currently ranked #5080 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Burton?
Common nicknames for Burton include Burt.
What are good middle names for Burton?
Popular middle name pairings include Burton James, Burton Lee, Burton Thomas, Burton Edward, Burton Cole, and Burton Ray.
What are good sibling names for Burton?
Names that pair well with Burton as siblings include Clark, Wallace, Audrey, Vivian, Fletcher, and Willa.
How many syllables does Burton have?
Burton has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Burton a common or rare name?
Burton is an uncommon name, ranked #5080 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Burton
Burton is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "from the borough farm" in Old English .
Is Burton a boy or girl name? Burton is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,080 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #69,083. Burton is more commonly used as a boy name.
Burton is currently ranked #5,080 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Burton has 2 syllables and is pronounced b-ERT-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Burton include Burt. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis