Burns

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Burns

Pronounced BURNZ /ˈbɜrnz/High

Meaning: Burns is a Scottish and northern English surname from 'burn', a word for a small stream, denoting someone who lived beside brooks. Its adoption as a given name owes much to the national poet Robert Burns, whose renown carried the name into families far beyond Scotland.Medium

In 30 seconds: Burns is a Scottish surname meaning 'by the streams', a first-name nod to the poet Robert Burns. It saw faint use around 1920 (said 'BURNZ').

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Origin MediumScottish

MeaningBurns is a Scottish and northern English surname from 'burn', a word for a small stream, denoting someone who lived beside brooks. Its adoption as a given name owes much to the national poet Robert Burns, whose renown carried the name into families far beyond Scotland.

U.S. rank (2016)#10952 ↘ Falling

2016 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1920

Total births (all-time)≈ 584

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

Burns is a Scottish surname from burn, a small stream, marking a family that lived by the water. As a first name it usually honors Robert Burns, Scotland's beloved eighteenth-century poet.

It was always rare as a given name - only a few dozen boys a year at its high point around 1920 - and it stayed a minor, heritage-minded choice. Its appeal is tied almost entirely to the poet.

Did you know? Robert Burns wrote 'Auld Lang Syne', the song sung worldwide at New Year, which helped keep his surname a familiar honor-name.

Overall data confidence 60%

References - Burns — Scots 'burn' stream; poet Robert Burns

Variations

ByrnesBurnesByrne

Nicknames

Burnie

Famous Bearers

★Robert Burns (1759-1796)
Scotland's national poet, author of 'Auld Lang Syne' and 'To a Mouse'.

If you like Burns…

Bruce— a Scottish surname-name of similar heritage

Blair— another Scottish place-and-surname name

Grant— a Scottish surname used as a first name

Blane— a similarly popular pick

Bayne— shares Burns's Scottish roots

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Burns mean?

Burns is a Scottish surname meaning 'by the streams', often honoring poet Robert Burns.

How do you pronounce Burns?

It's said BURNZ /ˈbɜrnz/ - one syllable.

Is Burns a boy or girl name?

Burns is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Burns?

Burns has always been rare as a first name, a heritage surname tied to the poet Robert Burns.