Burnett
Primarily a boy's name of Old French origin with 1,561 recorded births. Also given to 282 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A surname from Old French.
Burnett is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old French origin, derived from a Norman surname meaning 'brownish' or having brown hair, from the Old French brunete.
Burnett follows the American tradition of using family surnames as given names, bringing a distinguished, patrician character to the first name slot. It carries a certain early 20th-century gravitas — and is associated with the beloved comedian Carol Burnett, whose surname became a household name through decades of American television.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Burnett is a boy's name with over a century of recorded use (1882–1994). Its Old French roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
Though no longer in the top 1,000, Burnett’s 1,561 recorded births mean it has left a mark. Every name carries the accumulated identity of the people who have worn it — and Burnett has decades of that history.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Burnett has 83+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1882.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 37 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 55 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 127 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 197 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 235 | — |
| 1930s | 237 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 333 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 259 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 40 | ▲ |
| 1890s | 10 | ▼ |
| 1880s | 26 | — |
The Story of Burnett
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1920, Burnett is a name steeped in history. Boys named Burnett are most likely born between 1910 and 1930.
How rare is Burnett?
With 1,561 total births on record, Burnett remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1882, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1920s with 333 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Burnett by the numbers
- Would fill 33 school buses
- Meeting one Burnett per day would take 4.3 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(83 years, 1882–1994)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 5 | #8973 |
| 1987 | 7 | #5551 |
| 1986 | 8 | #4908 |
| 1982 | 6 | #5725 |
| 1981 | 10 | #3886 |
| 1980 | 6 | #5606 |
| 1978 | 6 | #5140 |
| 1976 | 5 | #5711 |
| 1974 | 7 | #4237 |
| 1973 | 10 | #3256 |
| 1972 | 5 | #5077 |
| 1971 | 7 | #4017 |
| 1970 | 15 | #2410 |
| 1969 | 7 | #3636 |
| 1968 | 7 | #3407 |
| 1967 | 6 | #3601 |
| 1966 | 11 | #2484 |
| 1965 | 15 | #2096 |
| 1964 | 16 | #2049 |
| 1963 | 13 | #2313 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Burnett as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Burnett has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 282 births since 1912.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burnett a boy's or girl's name?
When was Burnett most popular?
How popular is the name Burnett?
Can Burnett be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1882–1994