Find out how popular the first name Burnell has been for the last 49 years (from 1974 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Burnell by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Burnell is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Burnell.

The history of the first name Burnell

The name Burnell finds its roots in the Old English language, originating from the word "burna," which means a stream or a brook. This connection suggests that the name was initially associated with people who lived near a stream or a body of water. The name's earliest recorded use can be traced back to the 11th century in England.

During the Middle Ages, the name Burnell held some prominence, particularly in medieval England. One notable bearer of this name was Robert Burnell, who lived from around 1239 to 1292. He served as Lord Chancellor of England under King Edward I and played a significant role in the administration of the kingdom during that era.

In the 13th century, another individual named Burnell, Hugh Burnell, emerged as a prominent figure in the religious realm. He was a Franciscan friar and a renowned theologian who made significant contributions to the study of scholasticism during his lifetime.

Moving into the 16th century, the name Burnell gained further recognition with the birth of Henry Burnell in 1501. He was an English churchman who served as the Bishop of Bath and Wells from 1554 to 1564. Burnell played a notable role in the ecclesiastical affairs of his time.

In the realm of literature, the name Burnell finds mention in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, the renowned English poet and author of the Canterbury Tales. One of the characters in Chaucer's works is referred to as "Burnell the Assyer," suggesting the name's usage during the late 14th century.

Another notable bearer of the name Burnell was Sir Thomas Burnell, an English judge and politician who lived from 1622 to 1688. He held the position of Chief Justice of the King's Bench and served as a Member of Parliament during the reign of King Charles II.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Burnell throughout history, highlighting its enduring presence across various centuries and contexts, from religious and literary figures to prominent political and judicial figures.

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 Burnell was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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