Origin & Meaning of the Burnham Surname
What does the last name Burnham mean?
The surname Burnham carries the meaning "From a homestead or village." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 15,775 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Burnham ranks as the #2,315 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Burnham come from?
The Burnham surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Burnham name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Burnham trace back to Old English. 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 | Burnham |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a homestead or village |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,315 |
| US Count (2010) | 15,775 |
| Per 100K People | 5.35 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Burnham
According to the US Census, the Burnham surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 15,775 Americans with the Burnham last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.95% |
| Black | 3.94% |
| Hispanic | 2.14% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.68% |
| Native American | 0.49% |
| Two or More Races | 1.79% |
Popularity of Burnham Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Burnham surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Burnham surname increased by 476 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Burnham Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Burnham
- ✓ The Burnham coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Burnham families live today
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Similar Surnames to Burnham
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Burnham.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Burnham.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burnham
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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