Burden Family History

English:: (southern England of Norman origin): from a diminutive of the ancient Germanic personal name Burdo for which compare Burdett. Burdonus and other derivatives of the Gaulish personal name Burdo (‘mule’) are found in France where it is rare and the similar French surname may derive instead from Old French bourdon in the sense ‘pilgrim's staff’ (compare Bourdon).

The personal name whether of ancient Germanic or Gaulish origin does occur in medieval England but rarely.

Habitational name from any of various places called Burdon or Burden. Burden in Yorkshire and Great Burdon in County Durham are named with Old English burh ‘stronghold, fortified place’ + dūn ‘hill’;

Burdon in Tyne and Wear is named with Old English b̄re ‘byre’ + denu ‘valley’.

Occupational name from Middle English bourethein ‘bower servant; chamberlain’ (Old English būrthegn).