Holding steady.
Popularity of Burnie since 1888
Babies named Burnie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Burnie's real moment was 1890.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 | 7 |
| 1890s | 0 | 25 |
| 1900s | 0 | 17 |
| 1910s | 12 | 133 |
| 1920s | 22 | 185 |
| 1930s | 18 | 127 |
| 1940s | 5 | 143 |
| 1950s | 0 | 114 |
| 1960s | 0 | 85 |
| 1970s | 0 | 35 |
| 1980s | 0 | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Burnie is a rare American given name from the late 19th century, first recorded in 1888 but never reaching widespread popularity. Its peak year came in 1890, during the same decade its usage was concentrated. Since then, the name has remained stable but extremely uncommon, with no significant revival in recent years. The name's roots are obscure, but it likely developed as a variant of Bernie or as a nickname for Burnard, an Old English name. Because Burnie has never appeared in the top 1000 and no top states are recorded, its appeal lies in its vintage, no-frills sound. Parents drawn to antique nickname names might consider Burnie, though most will find it more familiar as a surname or place name.
Burnie is a diminutive or variant form of Bernie, itself a short form of Bernard or names ending in -bert. It may also have originated as a nickname for Burnard, an Old English name meaning 'strong as a bear' or 'warrior.' Historically, Burnie saw sporadic use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States.
Sibling names for Burnie
Names that share Burnie's style, for a brother or sister.
