Surname Purvis - Meaning and Origin

Discovering the Multicultural Heritage within the Purvis Surname: A Personal Journey through my iGENEA DNA Test Results

Receiving my iGENEA DNA test results was a revelation in the truest sense of the word. The insights it offered about my family identity, specifically the Purvis lineage, unveiled a hidden tapestry of diverse cultural histories and narratives that challenged and enriched my understanding of who I am and where I come from.

M. Purvis

Purvis: What does the surname Purvis mean?

The surname Purvis is of Anglo-Norman origin, derived from the Old French term "pourveu", meaning "provided". This name was often used as a metaphoric nickname for someone who was prepared or ready for action. There are alternative theories for the origin of this surname, where it could potentially have derived from regional names in northern France, such as "Perville" or “Pourveu". Like many surnames, it was likely introduced to Britain following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over time, the surname evolved and various spellings emerged including Purvis, Purves, Purvey, Purvice, and others. This surname is primarily found in the regions of Scotland and North England. Notable people with this surname include American gangster Melvin Purvis and British actress Heather Purvis. It's crucial to note that its interpretation could vary depending on regional and historical contexts.

Purvis: Where does the name Purvis come from?

The last name Purvis is most commonly found today in the United States, particularly in the southeastern region. It is also found throughout the United Kingdom, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, and in parts of Canada.

The earliest record of the name Purvis dates back to the 1100s in Scotland. The name is derived from the French word “pourvoir,” which translates as “to provide.” It was likely an occupational surname for someone who provided goods or services.

Today, the name Purvis is most common in parts of the South. North Carolina, in particular, has one of the highest populations of the name in the country. It is also common in the states of Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. Within the UK, the name is most common in Durham City, with other counties including Northumberland, Kent, and Devon reporting high populations of Purvis.

The Purvis family is renowned for their involvement in American Revolution, where many members of the family fought for independence. Other notable members of the family include Stephen Purvis, an interventional Cardiologist, and Lewis Purvis, a barrister.

Overall, the Purvis name is relatively common in the United States and throughout parts of the United Kingdom and Canada. Its unique French origin and involvement in American Revolution make it a culturally significant surname worldwide.

Variations of the surname Purvis

The surname Purvis has many variant spellings and surnames of the same origin, such as Purves, Purviss, Parviss, Purivs, Purives, Purifs, Purvyce, Purvose and Purvoz. Those variants are often found in English, Scottish, and Irish families.

The original spelling of the surname Purvis is of Anglo-Norman origin and derives from the Latin word "parvus," meaning small. This name was used to describe a small or diminutive person. Over time, this name was adopted by a number of English families in the form of Purvis.

The Scottish spelling of Purvis is usually Purves. This variant is possibly derived from the French word "Pourve," which was also used to describe small persons. The Irish spelling of Purvis is often Parviss and was first established in County Cork, where the surname was taken by a branch of the MacCarthy family.

There is also a variant of Purvis in the United States, known as Purvoz. This variant was made popular by several famous Americans who have used this name, including Clara Purvoz, the first woman firefighter in the state of Massachusetts, and astronomer Percival Lowell, who was born with the surname Purvise.

The widespread use of the Purvis surname in many countries around the world and its various forms suggests a diverse and complicated ancestry. It makes it difficult to trace the one-true origin of the name that has survived for centuries.

Famous people with the name Purvis

• Leon Purvis: American basketball player for the St. John’s Red Storm.
• Bryan Purvis: Professional surfer, sponsored by Red Bull.
• James Earl Purvis: Former Republican member of the North Carolina House of Representatives.
• Walter Purvis: Former American football running back.
• Tom Purvis: English artist, illustrator and poster designer.
• Seeley Purvis: Entrepreneur and businesswoman in the energy and infrastructure industries.
• Lily Purvis: Japanese-English actress and model.
• Jack Purvis: English actor and musician, best known for his roles in The Empire Strikes Back and The Elephant Man.
• Bob Purvis: American sculptor and digital artist.
• Clyde Purvis: Member of The Nashville Teens rock band.

Other surnames

PurviancePurvine