Origin & Meaning of the Burns Surname
What does the last name Burns mean?
The surname Burns carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 165,925 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Burns ranks as the #155 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Burns come from?
The Burns surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown 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 Burns name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Burns trace back to Unknown. 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 | Burns |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Origin and meaning under research |
| Origin | Unknown |
| Language | Unknown |
| US Rank (2010) | #155 |
| US Count (2010) | 165,925 |
| Per 100K People | 56.25 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Burns
According to the US Census, the Burns surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 165,925 Americans with the Burns last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.26% |
| Black | 14.06% |
| Hispanic | 2.48% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.59% |
| Native American | 0.78% |
| Two or More Races | 1.83% |
Popularity of Burns Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Burns surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Burns surname increased by 3,772 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Burns Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Burns ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Burns Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Burns Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Burns
- ✓ The Burns coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Burns families live today
- ✓ Notable Burns 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 Burns
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Burns.
Other Unknown Surnames
Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Burns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burns
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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