Birdsong
An English surname that likely began as a nickname or descriptive byname for someone associated with birdsong, singing, or a bird-like voice.
The #6,220 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 56,156 Americans shares it.
Etymology
This surname is built from the English words bird and song, so its literal sense is straightforward: “bird song” or “song of birds.” As a family name, it is most likely a nickname or descriptive byname rather than a place-name or occupation. The form looks like a later English surname created from everyday vocabulary, rather than a survival from medieval French or Old English compounds.
History
The name appears in modern English usage but is not common in older surname collections, which suggests it may be relatively local, late, or derived from a nickname that did not spread widely. In the United States it is uncommon but established, with a small number of bearers recorded in the 2010 census. The historical excerpts provided do not supply a direct etymology; they only show the word used among other sound-related terms.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Because it is transparently composed of two everyday English words, Birdsong is one of those surnames whose meaning is instantly understandable even without a dictionary.
From the historical record
“player, Piper, Fiddler, Tuner, Whistler, - Serenade, Sennet, Larum, Blare, - Unison, Harmony, Melody, Tone, Tune, Strain, Airs, Fugues, Pean, Carol, Birdsong, New-march, Cento, Trilling, Aria, Solo, Duet, Quartet, Quintette, Band, Club, Clogs, Bones, Castanet, - High note. Keynote, Base,”
— A Grammar of American Surnames