Surname Burville - Meaning and Origin
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Burville: What does the surname Burville mean?
The last name Burvill is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is said to be a locational name, derived from the small village of Burvill in the county of Somerset, England. The etymology of the name can be traced back to Olde English, meaning "burh" (fortified town), and "faella" (felley, or woodland clearing), so essentially "fortified town in a woodland clearing".
The Burvilles have a long and illustrious history in both England and America. In the United States, the name can be traced back to the settlement of Virginia in 1620, with the arrival of the Burvilles, who were originally from Bristol, England.
The Burvilles were an important family in England during the Middle Ages and beyond. They held many important positions, including Sheriff of Somerset (Burvill of East Brent) and Lord Mayor of London (Sir Edward Burvill). The family also had strong ties to the church, with many members holding prestigious positions as bishops and archbishops.
Over the centuries, the Burville family has produced many influential and successful people. From intellectuals to entrepreneurs, the Burvilles have left an indelible mark on the pages of history. From the scientists and engineers of the Enlightenment, to the wartime heroes of World War I and II, to the politicians, activists, and artists of today, the Burvilles have proven themselves to be a powerful and influential force.
Order DNA origin analysisBurville: Where does the name Burville come from?
The last name Burville appears most commonly today in France, where it originated in the Middle Ages. It is likely that those who first bore the name were people who lived in a small village, or burgh, which were the forerunners of today's towns and cities. It is possible that this village was named after a local lord, or landowner, who may have been a distant ancestor of the family.
There are currently Burville families living in many other countries around the world. In the United States, for example, Burville appears mostly in the midwest, with the highest concentrations in the states of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. In the United Kingdom, there are various Burville families primarily located in England and the Channel Islands. Australia also has several Burville families spread across the country.
The last name Burville is also found in other countries around the world, most likely as a result of immigration from France and other places. It is likely that the name was carried to other parts of Europe, the Americas, and even Asia by family branches that had departed the original homeland in search of new opportunities.
Despite its origins in France, Burville is an uncommon name today. Its origins in a small village have likely led to its spread across the world, however, and with it, a sense of family history and heritage that is cherished by its members.
Variations of the surname Burville
The surname Burville is rooted in the Latin word burvilla and is believed to have been a descriptive surname derived from either a place or a habitation within a particular area. It can be found in many parts of France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States, to name a few.
Variations of the name Burville include: Burvill, Berville, Barville, Bourville, Burvil, Borville, Borevil, Borevill, and Brulle.
The Dutch pronunciation of Burville is Boe-vil, resulting in spellings such as Böville and Boe vill. In some cases the name is spelled as Ber-vil.
English variations of the name include Burvil, Burvell, Barvell, Bervill, Bervil, Borvil, Borvell, Barbill, Barfield and Beavers. Variations in spelling indicate shifts in pronunciation due to geographical locations.
In the United States, Burville has also evolved into spellings such as Burvall and Burvil. This could be a result of immigrants making slight modifications to the original spelling to better fit their dialect.
Some variants of the name have come to be used as surnames in themselves, such as Barfield, Bervil and Beavers.
The Burville surname has been further altered into such spellings as Burvelle, Bervelle, Barvelle and Bouvelle. Similarly, the French-Celtic Burvall surname has also been misinterpreted as Burell or Burrell.
Overall, the surname Burville has a wide range of variations. Depending on language, dialect and location, its spelling has been adaptable and diverse.
Famous people with the name Burville
- Max Burville: British actor best known for his roles in the 2014 comedy Huge and the 2015 television series Mr. Selfridge.
- Tania Burville: British actress best known for her role in the 2008 horror film Outpost as Barfecture.
- John Burville: British actor best known for his work on the television series The Vicar of Dibley.
- William Burville: Member of British Parliament from 1772 to 1774.
- Richard Burville: Member of British Parliament from 1754 to 1761.
- Arthur Burville: British actor best known for his roles in films such as Carry On Admiral (1959) and The Scarlet Blade (1963).
- Robert de Burville: English nobleman from the thirteenth century who served as Justice of Chester.
- Harry Burville-Hancock: Royal Navy Officer who served in the First World War, the Second World War, and the Korean War.
- Charles de Burville: A French draughtsman and engraver active in the late seventeenth century.
- Alan Burville: British actor best known for roles in The Bill, EastEnders, and Casualty.