Burnice
Primarily a girl's name of Greek origin with 1,593 recorded births. Also given to 1,333 boys.
Meaning & Origin
Burnice peaked during early twentieth-century America, when 67 babies received this name in a single year (1925). That era was defined by heritage-rooted naming, and Burnice has since stepped out of the spotlight, giving it a vintage quality that many parents now find appealing.
Burnice is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Burnice is a girl's and boy's baby name of Greek origin, a variant of Bernice, derived from the Greek Berenike meaning 'bringer of victory' — combining phero (to bring) and nike (victory).
Burnice was most popular in the American South from the 1900s through the 1940s. It carries the resilient character of early 20th-century women's names — strong, unpretentious, and rooted in classical tradition with a distinctly American sound.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Burnice belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their open, approachable ending — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. At two syllables, it has a two-beat rhythm that is easy to call across a room and natural in conversation.
Within the Greek naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Greek names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Burnice’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Burnice has 65+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1893.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 14 | #5496 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 86 | #4188 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 174 | #2288 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 317 | #1335 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 536 | #1039 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 343 | #1073 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 102 | #1275 | ▲ |
| 1890s | 21 | #1544 | — |
The Story of Burnice
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1925, Burnice is a name steeped in history. Girls named Burnice are most likely born between 1915 and 1935.
How rare is Burnice?
With 1,593 total births on record, Burnice remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1893, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1920s with 536 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Burnice by the numbers
- Would fill 33 school buses
- Meeting one Burnice per day would take 4.4 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(65 years, 1893–1964)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | 6 | #6084 |
| 1962 | 8 | #4908 |
| 1959 | 5 | #6353 |
| 1958 | 8 | #4552 |
| 1957 | 7 | #4962 |
| 1956 | 9 | #4197 |
| 1955 | 10 | #3807 |
| 1954 | 7 | #4718 |
| 1952 | 9 | #3842 |
| 1951 | 16 | #2587 |
| 1950 | 15 | #2674 |
| 1949 | 16 | #2530 |
| 1948 | 15 | #2603 |
| 1947 | 11 | #3273 |
| 1946 | 15 | #2489 |
| 1945 | 11 | #2756 |
| 1944 | 22 | #1813 |
| 1943 | 17 | #2158 |
| 1942 | 18 | #2057 |
| 1941 | 27 | #1506 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Burnice as a Boy's Name
Burnice is a true unisex name. As a boy's name, it has 1,333 recorded births since 1902.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burnice a boy's or girl's name?
When was Burnice most popular?
How popular is the name Burnice?
Can Burnice be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1893–1964