The surname is one of the Anglo-Norman names that came to Ireland in the 12th century. The surname Burk is derived from the Old English word "burh," which is derived from the Old German word "burg," the common Germanic word for a fortification.
It was a name for a person with brown hair or a dark complexion. The surname Burnell is derived from the Old English word burnel. This word comes from the Old French word brunel, which is a diminutive of the Old French word brun. Normally a nickname, Burnell was also used as a personal name. Buy PDF History ยป