82,364 Burgess members around the world
Stay informed about Burgess Family online & offline events!
See our recent family gatherings

Burgess Family History
This interesting surname is of Old French origin, and derives from the Middle English "burge(i)s", a development of the Old French "burgeis" meaning inhabitant and freeman of a fortified town, especially one with municipal rights and duties. Burgesses generally had tenure of land or buildings from a landlord by "burgage". In medieval England burgage involved the payment of a fixed money rent. In Scotland it involved payment in service, guarding the town. The surname dates back to the early 12th Century (see below), and early recordings include Ralph le Burgeis (1195), in the Pipe Rolls of Sussex, and Philip Burges (1220), in the Cartulary of Oseney Abbey, Oxford...Who have we missed?
Tell us about any famous Burgess (or surname variant) you think we should add here. We will get our genealogists to check them out and add them to the list. Thanks!
MEET
Join the conversation with the Burgess tribe
- Find your Burgess ancestor
- Tell us about your Burgess Family
- Tell us about your Burgess ancestors
- Ask a question about the Burgess history
- Leave a message for Burgess family members
My father was George Burgess from county Mayo I think but also has Wales connection
Areas of Origin for Burgess
Invite more Burgess family members!
Write an email address and click 'Invite' to share this page with more members of the Burgess tribe.
Log in or Register to invite others
Family Coat of Arms Generator

Why not see what your family crest could look like based on your own family characteristics?
Create CrestSHOP
Show off the Burgess Family Crest…
Wear your crest with pride...plenty of products to choose from