Holding steady.
Popularity of Burr since 1880
Babies named Burr per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Burr's real moment was 1899.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 79 |
| 1890s | 45 |
| 1900s | 27 |
| 1910s | 143 |
| 1920s | 167 |
| 1930s | 92 |
| 1940s | 101 |
| 1950s | 92 |
| 1960s | 31 |
| 1970s | 26 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Burr is a rare and distinctive given name with deep American roots but little sustained popularity. According to Social Security data, the name first appeared in 1880 but never ranked among the top 1000 names. Its peak year was 1899, reflecting occasional use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The trajectory has been stable but with very low usage; in most recent years, fewer than five babies per year received the name. Burr is primarily associated with the historical figure Aaron Burr, the third U.S. vice president, though the name itself has never been common. Its top states of use are not recorded due to rarity, indicating it has been used sporadically across the country. As a one-syllable surname-style name, Burr fits with modern trends for short, punchy names but remains a very uncommon choice. It offers a sense of heritage without the weight of a common name.
Burr is a rare given name with uncertain origins. It may derive from the English surname Burr, which itself could come from Old English 'burh' (fortress) or refer to someone who lived near a burr (a prickly seed case). The name was occasionally used in the 19th century, possibly influenced by the prominent Burr family, including U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr.
Sibling names for Burr
Names that share Burr's style, for a brother or sister.
