Origin & Meaning of the Burke Surname
What does the last name Burke mean?
The surname Burke carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 122,877 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Burke ranks as the #246 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Burke come from?
The Burke surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Burke name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Burke trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Burke |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #246 |
| US Count (2010) | 122,877 |
| Per 100K People | 41.66 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Burke
According to the US Census, the Burke surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 122,877 Americans with the Burke last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.93% |
| Black | 8.76% |
| Hispanic | 2.41% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.68% |
| Native American | 0.54% |
| Two or More Races | 1.68% |
Popularity of Burke Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Burke surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Burke surname increased by 3,702 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Burke Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Burke ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Burke Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Burke Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Burke
- ✓ The Burke coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Burke families live today
- ✓ Notable Burke bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Burke
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Burke.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Burke.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burke
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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