Burr (surname)

Burr is a surname of English origin. It can derive from several possible sources:

• Topographical: It may be derived from the Old English word "burr," referring to someone who lived near a place with burrs (prickly seed coverings). This could be a patch of rough ground or a thicket.

• Habitational: It could indicate someone from a place named with "burr." There are several place names in England containing this element.

• Occupational: In some instances, the surname may be occupational, possibly relating to someone involved in the process of removing burrs from wool or cloth.

• Nickname: Less frequently, it could have originated as a nickname based on a perceived physical or behavioral characteristic resembling the prickly nature of a burr.

The surname is found in various English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Notable people with the surname Burr include:

• Aaron Burr (1756–1836): An American politician and lawyer who served as the third Vice President of the United States under President Thomas Jefferson. He is also known for his duel with Alexander Hamilton.
• Raymond Burr (1917–1993): A Canadian-American actor, primarily known for his roles in television dramas, including Perry Mason and Ironside.

Variant spellings of the surname may include Burre, Bur, and Byr. The frequency of the surname varies geographically.