Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Burl originates from Old English, meaning 'hill.' It evolved through Middle English forms and has maintained a simple, rustic appeal. It does not have biblical relevance but has seen usage in various historical contexts, particularly in the United States. The name is associated with notable individuals in entertainment and literature.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/bɜrl/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Burl is derived from the Old English word 'byrl,' meaning 'a hill or a mound.' It is also associated with the Middle English word 'berle,' which refers to a hill or a knoll.
Meaning
hill
Language Evolution
Old English: byrl, Middle English: berle, Modern English: Burl
Historical Usage
The name Burl was used in England during the Middle Ages but gained more recognition in the United States during the 19th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Burley, Burle, Burlie
Modern Popularity & Image
Burl is considered a vintage name and carries a rustic charm. It is not widely used today, but it is appreciated for its simplicity and earthy connotation.
Famous People
Burl Ives, an American actor and folk singer, Burl Barer, an American author and true crime writer
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 211 peak births in 1921
Geographic Spread
Popular across 21 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (5 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 5 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 490th of 7545 | 2,502 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 543rd of 6773 | 2,209 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 850th of 7552 | 1,465 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1575th of 10718 | 493 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4682nd of 16616 | 159 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 16274th of 24088 | 24 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 15888th of 23106 | 23 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 9107th of 9107 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 7452nd of 9204 | 14 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
30.72% 435th/1416 |
- |
15.22% 360th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
34.61% 535th/1546 |
- |
17.25% 406th/2353 |
54.17% 838th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
37.81% 842nd/2227 |
- |
24.78% 707th/2853 |
35.64% 989th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
60.98% 1791st/2937 |
- |
45.76% 1610th/3518 |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in West Virginia across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 490th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 543rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 850th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1575th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4682nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 16274th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 15888th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 9107th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 7452nd out of 9204 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.