US Popularity Rank: 26692

Origin: British

Meaning: Knotty wood; Tuft of wool; Cupbearer or butler

Burl is a boy’s name and surname. It derives from a word of Old English and Old French origin referring to a tuft of wool or knotty wood. It’s also related to the Old English word byrle or byrele, meaning “cupbearer” or “butler.” A famous bearer was Burl Ives, an American musician who worked on the iconic Christmas songs “A Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” He was also an Oscar-winning actor, starring in the films Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and The Big Country. A popular name from the 1880s through to the 1930s, Burl is rarely used today. Why not bring it back as a vintage choice for baby?