The earliest recorded use of the name Burnt Oak was in 1754, when it was used to refer to a field on the eastern side of Edgware Road (Watling Street) in the Ancient Parish of Hendon. The name originates from the fact that the field had contained an ancient oak tree some time before the 1750s, having been burned by a lightning strike.

Oak trees are taller than most trees and are more likely to get struck by lightning due to their height. If your oak is struck by lightning, you will need to water, fertilize, and trim dead branches off the tree. Lightning damage on your oak tree will split the tree and cause burnt, black marks.