Burl

♂ Boy

Pronounced BURL /ˈbɜːrl/High

Meaning: From the English word burl, 'a knot or rounded outgrowth in wood' (prized by woodworkers), or from a surname of similar root. A vintage-flavored word-name, famous via actor-singer Burl Ives.Medium

In 30 seconds: A sturdy, vintage word-name: Burl means the knotty grain of wood (said 'BURL'). One crisp syllable with a warm, old-fashioned ring.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningFrom the English word burl, 'a knot or rounded outgrowth in wood' (prized by woodworkers), or from a surname of similar root. A vintage-flavored word-name, famous via actor-singer Burl Ives.

U.S. rank (2024)#11118 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1921

Total births (all-time)≈ 7,180

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Burl is an English word-name from burl, the knotty, whorled grain in wood, or from a like-sounding surname. It has a warm, mid-century American feel, made familiar by actor-singer Burl Ives (said 'BURL').

It saw its warmest use in the early-to-mid twentieth century and is rare today. Vintage, sturdy, and one crisp beat.

Did you know? Burl comes from the English word for the swirling knot in a tree's grain, prized by woodworkers — a rugged, vintage word-name carried by folk singer Burl Ives (said 'BURL').

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Burl — English word-name 'knot in wood'; vintage, Burl Ives

Variations

BurleBerleByrl

Nicknames

BurlyB

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Burl…

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Cecil— a like mid-century classic

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Explore names like Burl

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Burl mean?

Burl comes from the English word for a knot or whorl in wood, prized by woodworkers — a rugged, vintage word-name.

How do you pronounce Burl?

It's said BURL /ˈbɜːrl/ — one syllable.

Is Burl a boy or girl name?

Burl is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Burl?

Burl is a rare, vintage name for boys in the U.S. today.