Burrow is an old English surname drawn from the landscape — a name that points to a place rather than a clan. Carried today by families across England, Scotland, and the wider world, it is a name with deep roots in the everyday geography of medieval Britain.
Quick answer: Burrow is an English locational surname, from someone who lived by a “burrow” — a fortified place or borough, or a hill or mound — carried today by families across Britain and beyond.
Where Does the Burrow Name Come From?
Burrow is a locational name, taken from a feature of the land or a settlement. The word behind it could mean a burh or borough — a fortified place or town — or, in some districts, a hill, mound, or earthwork. A family living at or near such a spot came to be known by it, and the description settled into a hereditary surname as English names became fixed.
Because so many places fitted that description, Burrow arose independently in more than one part of England, and families bearing the name need not share a single ancestor. The name is closely related to forms such as Burrows and Burroughs, all growing from the same landscape roots.
Own a Piece of Burrow Heritage
The Burrow name appears on a small range of keepsakes — a Christmas ornament for the tree and an outdoor garden flag for the porch or yard — each pairing the family name with a crest design on a tartan-style background.
Popular Burrow gifts: Garden Flag · Ornament
Frequently Asked Questions About the Burrow Name
What nationality is the Burrow surname?
Burrow is English in origin, a locational name found across England and also among families in Scotland and overseas.
Is Burrow Scottish or English?
Burrow is English in origin rather than a Scottish clan name, though it is carried by families across Britain.
What does the Burrow name mean?
It means someone who lived by a “burrow” — a borough or fortified place, or a hill or mound.
Is Burrow related to Burrows and Burroughs?
Yes. Burrow, Burrows, and Burroughs are related locational names from the same root, with their own distinct spellings.
If you're proud of your Burrow heritage, you can explore gifts and home décor featuring the Burrow name by using the search bar above.
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