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Show ContentsBurrows History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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Today's generation of the Burrows family bears a name that was brought to England by the migration wave that was started by the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Burrows family lived in Hampshire. The name was given to settlements located near a hill, and is from the Old English beorg, which means hill. It is from one of many English settlements so named that this family take their name. 1

Early Origins of the Burrows family

The surname Burrows was first found in Hampshire where they were descended from Hubert de Burgh, who became Lord of the Manor of Tichfield in that county.

"Robert de Burgh, Earl of Moreton in Normandy, son of Harlowen de Burgh, by Arlotta, his wife, mother of William the Conqueror, participated with his half-brother in the triumph at Hastings, was created Earl of Cornwall, and received, as a further recompense, grants of seven hundred and ninety-three manors. This potent noble left one son, William Earl of Cornwall, who, rebelling against the first Henry, joined Robert of Normandy, and led the van at the battle of Tenchebray. In this conflict, after displaying great personal valour, he fell into the hands of his opponents and was sent prisoner to England, where he was treated with much cruelty, the king causing his eyes to be put out, and detaining him in captivity for life. " 2

The township of Middleton in Lancashire is of particular historical importance to the family. "In the reign of Henry III., Hubert de Burgh, (c. 1170-1243) Earl of Kent, Lord Chief Justice of England, had a grant of the whole of Wyresdale, with remainder to his heirs: he left two sons, from one of whom descended the Burghs or Borroughs, of Gainsborough; and it is probable that William de Burgh, of Middleton, who died about 1323, was descended also from the chief justice." 3

Again in Lancashire another early record was found: William de Burgh, rector of the church of St. Elphin, Warrington, Lancashire in 1374. 4

John Borough, Burgh or De Burgo (d. 1386), was an English divine, D.D. of Cambridge and rector of Collingham, Nottinghamshire. 5

"Borough, in Northam [Devon], made ever famous by Kingsley in its association with his Sir Amyas Leigh, was the seat of a family of the same name, which produced at least two very eminent Devonshire seamen Steven and William Borough. Steven Borough, though little known, is entitled to a very honourable place in the list of Devon worthies. Born in 1525, he was master of the largest vessel, the Edward Bonaventure, in Sir Hugh Willoughby's luckless voyage to the Arctic Seas, planned by Cabot, and which would have been an utter failure had not Borough and his comrade, Richard Chancellor, the pilot-major of the fleet, determined to prosecute their voyage after they had been separated from Willoughby by a storm. In 1556, Borough went again to the Northern Seas in a pinnace, to carry forward the intentions of the original expedition, and to find a way by the north-east to Cathay. He made the most remarkable voyage in the annals of Arctic exploration. The little vessel drew only four feet of water. She had for crew only the brothers Borough and eight others; yet she entered the Kara Sea, and reached a point beyond which no navigator went until our own days English, Dutch, and Russian failing each in turn." 6

Early History of the Burrows family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Burrows research. Another 159 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1243, 1259, 1271, 1320, 1440, 1465, 1472, 1500, 1525, 1536, 1579, 1584, 1587, 1599, 1600, 1620, 1630, 1634, 1641, 1642, 1643, 1646, 1650, 1660, 1663, 1673, 1677, 1685, 1691, 1692, 1703, 1709, 1713, 1764, 1787 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Burrows History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Burrows Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Burrows include Burrough, Burgh, Borrows, Burrowes, Burroughs, Burrows, Burroughes and many more.

Early Notables of the Burrows family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Benedict Burgh (fl. 1472), English clerk and translator, Rector of Sandon, Essex, in 1440, Archdeacon of Colchester in 1465, a prebendary of St. Paul's in 1472; Stephen Borough (1525-1584), an English navigator, born on an estate of the some name in the parish of Northam, Devonshire, on 25 Sept. 1525. His son, Christopher Borough (fl. 1579-1587), was the chronicler of one of the most interesting journeys into Persia recorded in the pages of Hakluyt. 5Stephen's younger brother William Borough (1536-1599), was also an English navigator and author, born at Northam, Devonshire, in 1536...
Another 172 words (12 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Burrows Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Burrows World Ranking

In the United States, the name Burrows is the 2,167th most popular surname with an estimated 14,922 people with that name. 7 However, in Australia, the name Burrows is ranked the 533rd most popular surname with an estimated 7,264 people with that name. 8 And in New Zealand, the name Burrows is the 439th popular surname with an estimated 1,541 people with that name. 9 The United Kingdom ranks Burrows as 319th with 19,271 people. 10

Ireland Migration of the Burrows family to Ireland

Some of the Burrows family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 230 words (16 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

United States Burrows migration to the United States +

In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Burrowss to arrive on North American shores:

Burrows Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • John Burrows, who arrived in Virginia in 1623
  • Mr. John Burrows, (b. 1617), aged 18, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Constance" arriving in Virginia in 1635 11
Burrows Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Ellenor Burrows, who immigrated to Maryland in 1742
Burrows Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Ann Burrows, who arrived in New York in 1805

Canada Burrows migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Burrows Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Margaret Burrows, who immigrated to St. John's Newfoundland in 1825 12

Australia Burrows migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Burrows Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Robert Burrows, (b. 1780), aged 20, British Convict who was convicted in Stafford, Staffordshire, England for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1820 13
  • Mr. John Burrows, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Coromandel" on 27th October 1819, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 14
  • Thomas Burrows, English convict from Lancaster, who was transported aboard the "Albion" on September 21, 1826, settling in New South Wales, Australia 15
  • Mr. Nathan Burrows, (b. 1803), aged 24, English potter who was convicted in Derby, England for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Florentia" on 14th August 1827, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1881 16
  • Mr. Robert Burrows, British convict who was convicted in Derby, Derbyshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Bussorah Merchant" on 1st October 1829, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 17
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Burrows migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Burrows Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Robert Burrows, who landed in Pahia, Auckland, New Zealand in 1840
  • T. D. Burrows, aged 20, who arrived in Port Nicholson aboard the ship "Olympus" in 1841
  • Mr. Burrows, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Olympus" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 20th April 1841 18
  • Mr. T. D. Burrows, (b. 1820), aged 20, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Olympus" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 20th April 1841 18
  • Mr Burrows, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1841 aboard the ship Olympus
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Burrows (post 1700) +

  • Edwin G. "Ted" Burrows (1943-2018), American Pulitzer Prize-winning historian from Detroit, Michigan, Distinguished Professor of History at Brooklyn College
  • Vinie Burrows (1924-2023), née Harrison, an American stage actress on Broadway who was given an Obie Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2020
  • Brigadier-General Paul Edmund Burrows (1895-1975), American Deputy Commanding General 11th Air Force (1945) 19
  • Abe Burrows (1910-1985), American playwright and director awarded a 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
  • David Burrows (b. 1962), American producer, director and writer for both film and television
  • Mike Burrows (1943-2022), English bicycle designer from Norwich, England, best known for his work on the design of the track carbon-fibre Lotus 108 time trial bicycle
  • Montagu Burrows (1819-1905), English naval officer and Oxford professor
  • Richard "Dick" Burrows (1941-2022), Australian rules footballer who played with Richmond in the Victorian Football League in 1961
  • Frank Burrows (1944-2021), Scottish football player in 485 matches (1962-1974) and manager (1979-2007) from Larkhall, Scotland
  • Mr. Samuel Burrows, British sheriff, held the joint position of Sheriff of Nottingham, England from 1616 to 1617
  • ... (Another 8 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. Thomas Burrows, British Bedroom Steward from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 20
  • Mr. Alfred Burrows (1871-1914), English First Class Passenger from Nottingham, England, United Kingdom who survived the sinking on the Empress of Ireland 21
  • Miss Elizabeth May Burrows (1907-1914), Canadian Third Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 21
  • Master William John Burrows (1904-1914), Canadian Third Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 21
  • Mrs. Charlotte Ann Burrows (1881-1914), Canadian Third Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 21
  • ... (Another 1 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. Geoffrey Burrows, British Marine, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking, also sailed aboard the HMS Sultan 22
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. Arthur John Cyril Burrows, British Leading Stoker, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 23
HMS Royal Oak
  • Robert William Burrows (1918-1939), British Stoker 1st Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 24
RMS Lusitania
  • Mr. Francis Burrows, English Waiter from Garston, Lancashire, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 25
  • Master William Burrows, English Steward's Young Assistant from England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 25

The Burrows Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Animo et fide
Motto Translation: By courage and faith.
  1. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  2. Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.
  3. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  4. 'Townships: Scarisbrick', in A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 3, ed. William Farrer and J Brownbill (London, 1907), pp. 265-276. British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol3/pp265-276 [accessed 21 January 2017].
  5. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  6. Worth, R.N., A History of Devonshire London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G., 1895. Digital
  7. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  8. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  9. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  10. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  11. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved October 5th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  12. Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
  14. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 12th March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/coromandel
  15. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Albion voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1826 with 192 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/albion/1826
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 5th October 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/florentia
  17. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 10th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/bussorah-merchant
  18. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  19. Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2011, November 3) Paul Burrows. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Burrows/Paul_Edmund/USA.html
  20. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  21. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 16) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  22. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  23. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
  24. Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
  25. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
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