Summary

The surname PURDY has its origins in England and Scotland. It is derived from the Old English word 'pur' which means 'pure' or 'clean' combined with the word 'dy' which means 'dairy'. This suggests that the original bearers of the surname were either involved in dairy farming or lived near a clean or pure water source. Over time, the surname has spread to other English-speaking countries and has become relatively common.
There are
15126
Purdys in the USA
Purdy is the
2396th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Purdy

JessePurdy

Jesse Purdy was an American outlaw and member of the Dalton Gang, notorious for their bank and train robberies during the late 19th century.

EdwardPurdy

Edward Purdy was a British army officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars and received the Waterloo Medal for his service at the Battle of Waterloo.

LauraPurdy

Laura Purdy is an American philosopher and bioethicist, known for her work in the field of medical ethics and her contributions to the debate on physician-assisted suicide.

GeorgePurdy

George Purdy was a Canadian ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers in the 1920s.

JenniferPurdy

Jennifer Purdy is a Canadian artist specializing in sculpture and installation art, known for her thought-provoking works exploring themes of identity and the human condition.

BillyPurdy

Billy Purdy is an American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Bobby in the television series 'Parks and Recreation.'

AlicePurdy

Alice Purdy was an Australian suffragette and women's rights activist, who played a crucial role in the fight for women's suffrage in Australia during the early 20th century.

RobertPurdy

Robert Purdy is a British fashion designer, recognized for his avant-garde designs and his collaborations with various high-end fashion brands.

SarahPurdy

Sarah Purdy is an American journalist and news anchor, known for her work on national television networks and her coverage of major news events.

JamesPurdy

James Purdy was an American novelist, playwright, and short story writer, known for his unconventional and often controversial works exploring themes of sexuality and identity.

Purdy Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Purdy' is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word 'purde,' meaning 'small meadow.' It is a locational surname and likely referred to someone who lived near or on a small meadow.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Purdy' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the states of New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Michigan. It also has a presence in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Purdy' include 'Purdeman,' 'Purdye,' 'Purdie,' 'Purdew,' 'Purdoo,' 'Purdon,' 'Pardee,' 'Porty,' 'Portey,' and 'Portyman.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Purdy' has been carried by immigrants to various countries, particularly during periods of British colonization and emigration, as well as through more recent migrations and the globalization of populations.