Burl Is A Boy’s Name And Surname. It Derives From A Word Of Old English And Old French Origin Referring To A Tuft Of Wool Or Knotty Wood. It’s Also Related To The Old English Word byrle Or byrele, Meaning “cupbearer” Or “butler.” A Famous Bearer Was Burl Ives, An American Musician Who Worked On The Iconic Christmas Songs “A Holly Jolly Christmas” And “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.” He Was Also An Oscar-winning Actor, Starring In The Films Cat On A Hot Tin Roof And The Big Country. A Popular Name From The 1880s Through To The 1930s, Burl Is Rarely Used Today. Why Not Bring It Back As A Vintage Choice For Baby?