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Burns Family History

Burns Genealogy & Family Tree

Burns is a Scottish surname from Cumberland, England, on the border with Scotland, from the 14th Century. It referred to someone who lived near a stream or the Gaelic O Broin meaning “son of Braun.” Roots for this name can also be found in Germany. The earliest recording of the name was as the derivative Brenhus in 1275. The family motto is Tendit ad astra fides which means “Faith reaches toward heaven.”

Other spellings include “Burnes,” “Burn,” “Burness,” “Bernes,” and “Bourne.” Notable people with the surname include American actor George Burns (The George Burns & Gracie Allen Show, The Sunshine Boys, Oh, God!), American documentary filmmaker Ken Burns (The Central Park Five, The Statue of Liberty, Frank Lloyd Wright), American actress Brooke Burns (Baywatch, Shallow Hal), American actor and filmmaker Edward Burns (Saving Private Ryan, The Holiday, 27 Dresses), and fictional character Montgomery Burns (The Simpsons). The first Burns to come to America was Eleanor Burns in 1796.

Burns Birth Records
Burns Death Records
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