Places Names, Surnames Names, British Names, English Names, Old English Names

English speaking countries

Originated as a surname for those who lived by or in an area that had been burned. Also comes from a old Celtic word that meant "steep" or "steep hill" and was granted to those living on one.

It was also a reference to those who had been branded or burned, particularly a criminal who had been branded. Branding was a common occurance in 11 th century, for instance, when the concept of surnames where gaining in common practice.