How a Norman knight's bloodline became one of Ireland's most common surnames

Primary framing

“How a Norman knight's bloodline became one of Ireland's most common surnames”

The Burke surname and its many variants trace back nearly 900 years to a Norman conqueror, and today the family tree includes Galway castles, a beloved crooner and a notorious body snatcher.

Key facts

• The Burke surname is one of Ireland's most common surnames
• There are approximately 19,000 Burkes living in Ireland today
• A member of the Burke family was involved in a notable murder case
• The Burke family has produced a president's father
• The surname Burke is also associated with a Riviera-crooning de Burgh
• William de Burgh landed in Ireland as a Norman knight nearly nine centuries ago
• A member of the Burke family was involved in a notable murder case
• The Burke family has produced a president's father

Center-leaning outlets

• IrishCentral (IE)