Does anyone know the origin of the surname Burkett?

Question:

Does anyone know the origin of the surname Burkett?

Nation of origin,history,etc.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Burkett
This unusual surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is from the Olde English pre 7th
Century personal name "Burgheard", composed of the elements "burh, burg", fort, similar
to the Old High German "burg" (from the Old French element), the common Germanic
word for a fortification, and the Olde English "heard", hardy, brave, strong. The name
was reintroduced into Middle English by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066 in the
forms "Bou(r)chart, Bocard"; this resulted in many variants of the surname, including
Burkart, Borkett, Burchett, Burkett, Burchatt, Burchard, and Butchard. The form
"Burkhard" was a very popular medieval German name.

The surname was first recorded in 1207 (see below), and early examples include: Thomas
Burchart (circa 1248, Suffolk); Walter Buchard (1255, Wiltshire); and Richard
Burkett (1524, Suffolk). One John Burkitt, aged 21 yrs., was an early emigrant to the
American Colonies, having sailed aboard the "Falcon" in December 1635 bound for the
Barbadoes. A Coat of Arms granted to the family is three gold mullets on a red shield,
the Crest being a dexter arm embowed, brandishing a club proper. The first recorded
spelling of the family name is shown to be that of
Robert Bocard, which was dated
1207, in the "Curia Regis Rolls of Suffolk", during the reign of
King John, known as "Lackland", 1199 - 1216.