Holding steady.
Popularity of Burgess since 1884
Babies named Burgess per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1922, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Burgess's real moment was 1890.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 11 |
| 1900s | 13 |
| 1910s | 162 |
| 1920s | 208 |
| 1930s | 154 |
| 1940s | 177 |
| 1950s | 114 |
| 1960s | 95 |
| 1970s | 64 |
| 1980s | 58 |
| 1990s | 16 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 7 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Burgess is a rare given name with a strong occupational heritage. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1884 and peaked in 1890, the same year it reached its highest usage. Despite its historical roots as a surname denoting a town official, the name has never entered the Top 1000 and remains a distinctive choice. Its stable trajectory over the decades reflects its status as a family name occasionally passed down as a first name. No top states have recorded significant usage, keeping it a hidden gem for those seeking an uncommon name with a clear meaning and English heritage.
Burgess derives from Old French 'burgeis', meaning 'inhabitant of a fortified town' (from 'bourg'). It entered English as a surname and later saw occasional use as a given name, especially in the 19th century. The name reflects a social status in medieval England, where burgesses were freemen of a borough with certain privileges.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Burg, Bergy
Sibling names for Burgess
Names that share Burgess's style, for a brother or sister.
