Burman
/ˈbɜːr.mən/noun
A person belonging to the Bamar ethnic group, or historically a person from Burma.
Did you know?“Burman” is an English formation based on “Burma,” while many people traditionally identify themselves as Bamar; “Myanmar” is the formal name adopted by the state in 1989.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval period
Burmese
Bama
“The Burmese name associated with the Bamar people and their country; its ultimate origin is uncertain.”
16th Century
Portuguese
Birmânia
“A Portuguese form of the country name, encountered in European accounts of the region.”
17th Century
English
Burma
“The English form of the country name, derived through European transmission from Burmese forms such as Bama.”
18th Century
English
Burman
“A person from Burma or a member of its dominant Bamar ethnolinguistic group, formed from Burma with the English suffix -an.”
20th Century
English
Burman
“A conventional English ethnonym used in contrast with the broader adjective or noun “Burmese.””
Modern English
English
Burman
“A person belonging specifically to the Bamar ethnic group, though “Burmese” is often used more broadly for citizens or culture of Myanmar.”