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Meredith Frederic Burill (December 23, 1902 – October 5, 1997) was an American geographer and cartographer who served as the executive secretary of the United States Board on Geographic Names from 1943 to 1973.[1] Dubbed "the world's foremost authority" on toponymy, he pushed the United Nations to standardize the naming of international bodies of water, most notably Lake Geneva.[1]
Early life and education edit
Born and raised in Houlton, Maine, the son of a school superintendent, he attended Bates College in Lewiston majoring in geography.[1] He went on to attend Clark University where he received his masters and doctorate in the same field.[1]
Personal life edit
Born with a traditionally feminine name, "Meredith", Burill casually went by Pete (derived from the French word "petit") as a nickname.[1]
See also edit
References edit
Further reading edit
- Thomas, Robert. October 10, 1997. Meredith F. Burrill, 94, Expert On World Geographic Names. The New York Times.
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