Does the surname of Burns originate from Ireland or from Scotland?

Question:

Does the surname of Burns originate from Ireland or from Scotland?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Beware if coat of arms peddlers. If you are furnished a link to one, you have to understand that there are no laws regarding heraldry in the United States and a person is free to display one if they wish but it is like putting up a picture of a famous person with your surname and claiming him as your ancestor whether you know he is or not. These people will sell you one only because you have a certain surname without documented proof that you are entitled to it. There is nothing illegal about it but I feel it is very dishonest. Some, I understand, will do "research" and "link" you to someone that was granted a coat of arms.

Not everyone with the same surname come from the same root. Many coats of arms have the same name as more than one individual with a particular name was granted one. There are about 200 for the surname Lewis but that does not mean everyone with that surname is any way related to one of the 200 granted one, much less be a direct male line descendant.

Surnames can frequently be from more than one country. I think the name "Burns" is seen more as a Scottish name, Byrnes is usually seen as Irish.

The best thing to do is trace your family tree. Start with your parents and go backwards. If you run into a brickwall on one family line, put it aside for awhile and work on another. The way you start is to get as much information from your family as possible, particularly senior member. Even when their minds are a little feeble they can be a great source of information. If they let you tape them. People who do this say when they go back and listen to the tape a few years after doing research they hear things they didn't hear the first time around.

Mormon Church Data Centers have a wealth of information. I have never had one to come ringing my doorbell just because I availed myself of their resources.

Good Luck!