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      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Burma

      Origin

      English, Possibly Derived from Burmese

      Meaning

      Associated With the Country Myanmar (burma)

      Variations

      Urmat, Burak, Burian
      The name Burma is derived from the English adaptation of Bamar, which refers to the dominant ethnic group in the region now known as Myanmar. The term Burma is often used in historical and political contexts to denote the country and has been associated with its colonial past. While its literal meaning is linked to the geographical and cultural identity of Myanmar, the term carries connotations of both heritage and conflict, reflecting the country’s complex narrative over the years.

      Historically, the name Burma gained prominence during British colonization in the 19th century when the British Empire annexed the region following the Anglo-Burmese Wars. It was officially referred to as Burma in administrative and diplomatic contexts. This name was utilized until 1989 when the ruling military junta officially changed the country's name to Myanmar, aiming to shed the colonial legacy. However, Burma remains in common use among many international entities, including some Western governments and human rights organizations, as it is seen as a reminder of the oppressive regimes that the country has experienced.

      In contemporary discourse, Burma and Myanmar are often used interchangeably, but the choice of terms can signify different political statements. Governments and organizations that opt to use Burma frequently do so to express opposition to the military regime or to honor the historical context of the nation. Conversely, the name Myanmar has been adopted officially and is used in most diplomatic communications. This duality reflects ongoing debates about national identity and the implications of colonialism, making the choice of name a matter not just of geography but of political significance in modern discussions surrounding the country.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Burma.
      John

      John

      This is the most common name of those married to a Burma.
      Harold

      Harold

      This is the most common name for a child of a Burma.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

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      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1908 is when there were the most people born with the first name Burma.

      Explore the origins of another name.