Surname Burriss - Meaning and Origin
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Burriss: What does the surname Burriss mean?
The surname Burriss is thought to be of English, Irish, or Scottish origin and is a variant spelling of Burris. Its meaning is not precisely known, but it is considered to be topographic, referring to individuals who lived near a borough or burh, an Old English term for a fortified town. There may also be a connection to the term 'borrows', referring to individuals living near hills or barrows. Traditionally, surnames were used as a means to distinguish individuals with the same first name and may have indicated geographic location, occupation, or distinguished individuals in some other way. Therefore, the surname Burriss could potentially suggest that the ancestors of the people with this surname lived near a fortified area, hill, or mounds. However, due to several variations and complex histories of surnames, this meaning could differ in different regions and contexts.
Order DNA origin analysisBurriss: Where does the name Burriss come from?
The surname Burriss is of English origin and is derived from the old French term 'bourgeis' originally used to describe someone who lived in a market town. It has evolved over time through variants such as Burgess, Burris, Burrish, and others. The term held a noble connotation, usually referring to a freeman of a borough or a town merchant. Other theories suggest that it could be derived from the personal name Boris, prevalent in Eastern Europe.
In modern times, the surname Burriss is not extremely common. With the influence of migration and intermarriage, it can be found in various countries; however, it seems to have its highest concentration in the United States. More specifically, it appears frequently in the states of South Carolina, Indiana, and a few other midwestern and southern states. Despite its English origins, it is not very common in England today.
Please note that the exact origins and distribution of the Burriss surname may vary, and extensive genealogical research may provide more accurate and personalized results.
Variations of the surname Burriss
The surname Burriss is of English origin, and is believed to be derived from the name of a village, Burroughs, that existed in ancient England. Various spellings and variants have evolved over time based on changes in language, regional dialects, and even clerical errors.
Some common spelling variations and closely related surnames include Burrus, Burras, Burris, Burrows, Burroughs, and Burress.
The name Burrus may have a Latin origin and is found in some ancient Roman texts. Burras and Burris are common misspellings, while Burrows and Burroughs are derived from the geographical location. Burress is another common variant which may have originated from linguistic differences in various regions.
In addition, some alternate spellings could be due to phonetic spelling by individuals or census takers who recorded the name as it was pronounced. Each variation, while slightly different, likely shares the same or similar roots in English history.
Since names often evolved based on occupation, Burriss could also potentially relate to individuals who lived in or near boroughs or fortified towns in ancient England.
Famous people with the name Burriss
- Emmanuel Burriss: An American professional baseball player who played in the Major League Baseball (MLB). He debuted with the San Francisco Giants in 2008 and went on to play for teams like the Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies.
- Alton "Big Al" Burriss: A prominent retired judge and politician from Maryland. He served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates and is notable for his continuous advocacy for civil rights.
- DeStorm Power: Born DeStorm Burriss, he is a popular American musician, comedian, and YouTube personality who won the American Music Award for New Media Honoree (Male) in 2011.
- Troy Burrus: A former professional football player who played for teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Redskins in the National Football League (NFL).
- Yolanda Burriss: A notable American businesswoman who is the CEO and founder of Burriss Consulting, Inc, a consultancy that helps small and large businesses in workforce development and diversity management.
- Tre Burriss: An upcoming American actor known for his roles in movies like 'Littleman,' 'Hopeless,' and 'Betty and Coretta.'