Surname Burdon - Meaning and Origin
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Burdon: What does the surname Burdon mean?
The last name Burdon is of English origin and is thought to have derived from the Middle English word “burden”, meaning “shepherd”. It is believed that the name originally referred to an individual who worked as a shepherding the livestock of the countryside. The name is also thought to be derived from the Norman-French phrase “Bourdun” which means “a fortress” or “fortified town”, and could indicate that the origin of the surname dates back to a French or Norman settlement in England that specialized in the care of animals.
The Burdon name has been found in records stretching back to the Middle Ages, including the 1273 Parish Register of Kent, as well as the “Calendar to Patent Rolls” of 1327. It has also been found on the 12th century Ranulph de Burdon entry in the “Magna Carta Sureties” 1215.
The Burdon surname is most commonly found in the northern parts of England, in both Yorkshire and Lancashire, as well as some parts of Scotland. In the United States, individuals with the last name Burdon can be found in both New England and in regions around the Great Lakes.
Today, the Burdon surname is still very common and is still used by many families. Those with the Burdon name are likely to be proud of their heritage, and to have a strong connection to their roots. The Burdon name has endured throughout the centuries, and is a strong reminder of how integral early shepherds were in ensuring the success of their communities.
Order DNA origin analysisBurdon: Where does the name Burdon come from?
The last name Burdon is a fairly uncommon name today, although it may be estimated to stand at around 500 individuals spread across various countries around the world.
It is believed to be derived from the Old English word 'bord', meaning a 'table', or more specifically a 'board'; thus those with the surname 'Burdon' were likely people with some kind of direction, typically a political, military or naval position of some sort.
Interestingly, the surname is most commonly found in Britain, particularly in Yorkshire and the North of England. This could be indicative of it being an old Norman name, as many Norman nobility and victorious Anglo-Saxon settlers established themselves up in northern England. It also has some presence in Ireland, mainly in the counties of Antrim and Dublin.
Aside from Britain and Ireland, the name is thought to have some presence in other parts of Europe, particularly France. It is also thought to have some presence in North America, most notably in Canada.
Overall, the name Burdon is an uncommon one that likely carries with it a long and distinguished history, and is still present albeit in rather small quantities around the world.
Variations of the surname Burdon
The surname Burdon has a few variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These variations can be found both in British and American records.
The most common variant of Burdon is the Burnden surname. This surname can be found in records dating back to 1201 in the County of Essex, England. Another variant of Burdon that is found in the United States is Berdan. This is likely due to a mix of both English and Dutch influences in the Old World.
In addition, the Burden surname is a common variant of Burdon. It can be found in records dating back to 1185 in East and West Sussex, England.
The Burden surname is also a variant of Burdon. This spelling appears to be more prevalent in the United States. Burden can also be found in records from medieval England, although variations of the surname can be found in Canada and Ireland.
Borden is another variant of Burdon and can be found in records from 1202 in Sussex, England. In America, Borden is commonly found in the New England region.
The Burdin surname is also an other variant of Burdon. The surname can be found in records from 1411 in Lancashire, England.
Finally, the Byrdun surname is another variant of Burdon that can be found in records from 1221 in Middlesex, England. This surname can be found in both British and American records.
Famous people with the name Burdon
- Eric Burdon: Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Eric Burdon is best known as a singer and songwriter, as well as an actor and radio host. He was part of the pioneering psychedelic band The Animals, before embarking on a successful solo career.
- Kim Burdon: Kim Burdon is an Australian actress and comedy writer, best known for her role as Maria di Terzano in the popular television series Packed to the Rafters.
- Chris Burdon: Chris Burdon is an award-winning British actor, best known for his roles in the war movie, The Pianist, and the ITV drama series, The Lost Prince.
- Kelly Burdon: Kelly Burdon is a British singer-songwriter, best known for her hit single, “Foolish”.
- Joanne Burdon: Joanne Burdonis a British actress, best known for her roles in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances and the British medical drama Casualty.
- Margaret Burdon: Margaret Burdon is an English politician who served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for North West Durham from 2015 to 2019.
- Sam Burdon: Sam Burdon is an American musician and songwriter, best known as the lead singer for the rock band, The Juliana Theory.
- Bill Burdon: Bill Burdon is a former Scottish professional footballer and a current financial director.
- Joanne Burdon-Purser: Joanne Burdon-Purser is an Australian eventer and dressage rider.
- Bjorn Burdon: Bjorn Burdon is a Norwegian jazz guitar player and composer.