Heraldry and the Bourk Surname

Bourk is one more way Bourke has been written over the centuries. Read literally, Bourk points to “A dweller at, or near, a stronghold or fortified place”.

• Before spelling was standardised, one family could appear under several forms.
• Names that sound alike, such as Borek, Burke and Burak, are easily confused in old records.
• Without the “e” of Bourke, Bourk is a simpler written form of the same name.

Arms associated with the name

Heraldry is personal: arms associated with the Bourke surname were borne by specific families, and sharing the name does not mean sharing the blazon. Research your Bourk family history with a full surname report and painted coat of arms.