Holding steady.
Popularity of Burnett since 1882
Babies named Burnett per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Burnett's real moment was 1908.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 26 |
| 1890s | 0 | 10 |
| 1900s | 0 | 40 |
| 1910s | 48 | 259 |
| 1920s | 69 | 333 |
| 1930s | 29 | 237 |
| 1940s | 45 | 235 |
| 1950s | 62 | 197 |
| 1960s | 24 | 127 |
| 1970s | 5 | 55 |
| 1980s | 0 | 37 |
| 1990s | 0 | 5 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Burnett is a historical name with Scottish and English roots, originally a surname meaning 'little brown one' or 'brown-haired.' It first appeared as a given name in 1882, the earliest year of Social Security data, and reached its peak popularity in 1908 when it ranked 971. Since then, its usage has been stable but very rare, with no recorded births in recent years large enough to register a rank or one-in-N statistic. The name has primarily been used for boys and carries a vintage, dignified feel reminiscent of early 20th-century naming trends. Despite its low modern usage, Burnett offers a distinctive choice for parents seeking a surname-style name with clear historical precedent.
Burnett is an English and Scottish surname that originated as a diminutive of the Middle English 'burnet', meaning 'brown' (from Old French 'brunet'). It was used as a nickname for someone with brown hair or a brown complexion. The name was first recorded as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in Scotland where it was used for boys.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Burn, Bernie, Nett
Sibling names for Burnett
Names that share Burnett's style, for a brother or sister.
