Find out how popular the first name Burley has been for the last 47 years (from 1974 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Burley by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Burley is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Burley.

The history of the first name Burley

The given name Burley has its origins in Old English, originating in the medieval period. It is derived from the Old English word "burh-leah," which translates to "meadow near a fortified town or manor." This suggests that the name was initially given to people residing in rural areas close to fortified settlements.

Burley can be considered a locational surname, as it likely referred to someone who lived near a fortified town or manor surrounded by meadows. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 13th century in England, where it was primarily found in areas such as Wiltshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire.

In the 14th century, the name Burley appeared in historical records, including the Hundred Rolls of 1273-1279, which were surveys of landowners in certain counties of England. One notable individual from this period was Sir Richard Burley, a knight who served under King Edward III and was involved in the Hundred Years' War against France.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, the name Burley continued to be found in various parts of England. One prominent figure from this time was Walter Burley, a philosopher and logician who lived in the late 13th and early 14th centuries and made significant contributions to the study of logic and metaphysics.

In the 17th century, the name Burley was associated with several notable individuals, including William Burley, an English clergyman and author who wrote on theological and philosophical subjects. Another individual of note was John Burley, a Member of Parliament for Shropshire in the late 17th century.

Moving into the 18th century, one of the most famous individuals with the name Burley was James Burley, a British naval officer who served during the American Revolutionary War. He was involved in several significant naval battles and was eventually promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral.

In the 19th century, the name Burley was carried by individuals such as Walter Burley, a British artist and engraver known for his landscapes and architectural works. Additionally, John Burley was a notable English cricketer who played for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club in the 1840s and 1850s.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Burley was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Burley, please contact us.

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