Surname Burdette - Meaning and Origin

A Dive into History: The DNA Journey of Decoding my Burdette Heritage through iGENEA

Venturing into my familial past via iGENEA's DNA testing led to enlightening discoveries about my surname, Burdette. This introspective journey unearthed my name's European roots, painted vibrant pictures of my ancestors’ historical escapades, and gave me a newfound appreciation for the happenings that shaped my family line.

K. Burdette

Burdette: What does the surname Burdette mean?

The surname Burdette is of French origin, derived from the Old French "burdo", which translates to "donkey". It is believed to have initially been a nickname for someone who was thought to be stubborn or obstinate, similar to the perceived characteristics of a donkey. Over time, Burdette evolved into a surname. Surnames often originated from nicknames, occupations, geographical landmarks, or the names of estates. In the Middle Ages, it was common to christen people with surnames inspired by their personal traits, and the name Burdette could be a case of such. Another theory speculates that the name might have been occupational, referring to a person who drove donkeys. However, it's essential to remember that the meanings of surnames can change over time and might not necessarily retain their original connotations. Today, the name Burdette is used by families in several countries, with a particularly high concentration in the United States.

Burdette: Where does the name Burdette come from?

The surname Burdette originates from the Old French word "bourdet", meaning "small bird". It started as a nickname which later transformed into a surname during the period when surnames were being introduced in many European countries.

English and French in origin, the name was first found in Staffordshire where the family was established after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It was given as a name to someone who was a person who was thought to bear a fancied resemblance to a bird. This could be due to many factors, such as the person's attire, physical characteristics, or the demeanor of a bird.

As for where it is common today, the last name Burdette can be found in many English-speaking countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, although it is not particularly common in any of these places. It is more widespread in the United States than elsewhere, particularly concentrated in the southeastern states. The largest number of people with the last name Burdette reside in the state of West Virginia. There was a significant migration of people named Burdette from the UK to the US in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variations of the surname Burdette

Burdette is a surname with origin in the Normandy Region of France and it arrived in England following the Norman Conquest in 1066. In French, it is originally spelled as "Burghard" with several variants making their way into English including "Burdett" and the longer "Burdette"."

The "Burdett" variant is often used as an accompanying first name. Other spellings include Bourdette, Bourdet, Bourdon, Burdet, Burditt, Bordet, Bared, Berd, Bardot, Briddick, Bard, and Birdett.

"Burd" and "Burditt" are Scottish adaptations of the name. "Burdick" is a variant that appeared when the name moved to the United States. The same variant is also seen in Poland and Germany.

The surname "Bardot" is popular in France and is associated with the famous French actress Brigitte Bardot, though it is unclear if there's a direct lineage relation to the original "Burdette".

All these names have in common is the root of “burghardt,” a Germanic word meaning “strong as a castle.” The variations in spellings are likely due to different regional accents and interpretations.

Famous people with the name Burdette

• Lew Burdette: An American former professional baseball player, who was a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball for teams like the New York Yankees, Milwaukee Braves, and the California Angels.
• Jonathan Burdette: A U.S. based neuroscientist who is renowned for his works in the field of music's effect on the human brain.
• Todd Burdette: An American punk rock musician, known for being a member of bands like His Hero Is Gone and Tragedy.
• Jocko Burdette: A character in the comedy film Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, played by actor Chris Parnell.
• Cale Burdette: A character portrayed by actor Roy D'Arcy in the 1936 film "Sutter's Gold."
• Scott Burdette: A strategic advisor in the technology and financial industries, known for his work with companies like IBM, MasterCard, and Wells Fargo.
• Mark Burdette: An American professional basketball player who has played for teams in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Portugal.
• Stoney Burdette: A former professional American football player who played as a linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Other surnames

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