Burke Family Crest and Surname Origin
A short guide to the Burke surname: its meaning, its roots in Ireland, and its heraldry.
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Origin of the Burke name
Burke comes from the Anglo-Norman de Burgh, from the Old English burh, "fortified place". William de Burgh arrived in Ireland in 1185, and his descendants conquered much of Connacht and became Earls of Ulster. Over time the family adopted Irish language and customs and divided into the Mac William Burkes of Mayo and the Clanricarde Burkes of Galway.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Burke name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Burke name in Ireland. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as England, the United States and Australia; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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The researched Burke pack traces meaning, early bearers and migration routes, and includes a personalized Burke coat of arms.
Burke name FAQ
What does the Burke name mean?
From de Burgh, "fortified place". Common variants include Bourke, de Burgh, Birk, de Búrca.
Where does the Burke surname come from?
It originates in Ireland, and is also found in England, the United States and Australia.
Is there a Burke coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Burke crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Burke coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: MacLysaght, The Surnames of Ireland; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford); Reaney & Wilson, Dictionary of English Surnames.