Burke is a surname of Anglo-Norman origin that spread throughout Ireland in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the French “de Burgh,” meaning “of the castle,” and was first introduced to England by William the Conqueror. The Burkes played an important role in Irish history, with several prominent figures including Richard de Burgh, who was known as the “Red Earl,” and Edmund Burke, a philosopher and statesman. Today, the Burke surname is common in Ireland and throughout the English-speaking world.