Surname Purkey - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'P'
Purkey: What does the surname Purkey mean?
The surname Purkey is of English origin and is believed to have derived from the Old English word 'purk', which refers to a small enclosure or park. This name might have been initially given to someone who lived near a park or a small enclosed piece of land. This signifies that this family name was probably a locational surname given to people based on their geographical location or the place of their residence. Over time, 'Purk' may have evolved into Purkey. It's essential to understand that surname meanings can be speculative given the time passed and the evolution of language.
Order DNA origin analysisPurkey: Where does the name Purkey come from?
The surname Purkey is of English origin, with its roots likely tracing back to the Middle Ages in Britain. The name might be either locational or occupational, possibly originating from individuals who worked at or lived in such as a pear orchard (from Old English "pirige" for pear tree) or involved in the manufacture of a type of ornamental bag or pouch called a poke or pouk (derived from Old Norse "poki").
It's less commonly found in the UK today but has spread to various regions of the world, primarily North America due to historical immigration patterns. Today, the surname Purkey is most common in the United States, where it spread during the periods of British colonization and later waves of emigration. In particular, it is prevalent in states like Tennessee, California, and Virginia. Despite its occurrence in these areas, Purkey is still considered a relatively rare surname.
Variations of the surname Purkey
The surname Purkey comes from origin of English and potentially even Nordic. This surname may have been derived from occupational terms for a breeder or keeper of swine. It could also be derived from the old Norse word "burg," meaning fort or castle. Several variations in the spelling of this surname have been recorded over time, including Perkey, Purkay, Pirkie, Purkie, Pirkie, Perkaye, and Purkaye. It's also important to keep in mind that surnames often change spelling over generations due to a variety of factors such as literacy levels at different periods of history, translation between languages, and the shifts in pronunciation. In addition, surnames were often written down as they sounded from the spoken language, leading to different interpretations. There are also surnames that are similar sounding but might be unrelated, such as Perky, Purkie or even Burkey. Each of these names and variations holds its own history and potential individual origin.
Famous people with the name Purkey
- Wayne Purkey: He is widely recognized for his sports endeavors as a former baseball player. Purkey played as a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher.
- Denise Purkey: An accomplished actress known for her roles in movies and TV shows like "Gyakuten Saiban" (2012), "Dark Days in Monkey City" (2009), and "Professional: Shigoto no Ryugi" (2006).
- Robert Purkey: This renowned figure is recognized in the academic world. He's an Emeritus Professor of Educational Psychology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Note that these individuals may not be globally famous but are renowned in their respective fields.