Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Burnell

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Derived from Burna (stream) And Hill

      Variations

      Burrell, Brunell, Brunella
      The name Burnell has its roots in Old English, derived from the elements burna, meaning stream, and hyll, meaning hill. This combination suggests a geographical origin, possibly referring to a location characterized by a stream running through hilly terrain. Consequently, the name often evokes imagery of nature, particularly landscapes where water and elevation coexist, reflecting a pastoral heritage linked to the environment.

      Historically, the name Burnell has been used both as a surname and a first name in England. Its usage can be traced back to medieval times, when surnames often derived from geographic features or occupations were common. Notably, the surname Burnell appears in various historical records, including land grants and family trees, indicating the significance of land ownership and territorial identification. Over the centuries, individuals bearing the name have played roles in various local histories, contributing to the cultural fabric of their regions.

      In contemporary society, Burnell remains a relatively uncommon name but continues to hold relevance. It is still used as both a first name and a surname, with individuals and families who carry the name often having diverse backgrounds. The name is occasionally found in literature and popular media, maintaining a connection to its historical roots while also evolving to fit modern contexts. Today, many who encounter the name may find it evocative of a rich heritage tied to English geography and nature.

      Based on our records...

      Johnson

      Johnson

      This is the most common surname associated with Burnell.
      Burnell

      Burnell

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

      Burnell

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

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1920 is when there were the most people born with the first name Burnell.

      Explore the origins of another name.