Summary

The surname PURVIS is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word 'purveus', meaning 'provider' or 'surveyor'. This surname may have originated as an occupational name for someone who worked as a purveus, responsible for procuring provisions or supplies. Alternatively, it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a surveyor's landmark. The Purvis family name can be traced back to medieval England.
There are
16686
Purviss in the USA
Purvis is the
2177th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Purvis

LouisJ.

Louis J. Purvis was an American artist known for his vibrant abstract paintings that often incorporated geometric shapes and bold colors.

DavidPurvis

David Purvis was a Scottish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Heart of Midlothian F.C. and the Scotland national team in the 1960s and 1970s.

LindaPurvis

Linda Purvis is an American politician who served as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1991 to 1998.

WilliamPurvis

William Purvis was an American trombonist and conductor known for his virtuosic performances and pioneering work in the development of the trombone as a solo instrument.

MarionPurvis

Marion Purvis was an Australian actress and singer who appeared in several popular musicals in the 1950s and 1960s.

JohnPurvis

John Purvis was a British politician who served as a Member of Parliament for the Conservative Party from 1979 to 1997.

SarahPurvis

Sarah Purvis is a Canadian writer and journalist who has written for various magazines and newspapers, covering topics such as culture, travel, and history.

RobertPurvis

Robert Purvis was an American abolitionist and civil rights advocate who co-founded the American Anti-Slavery Society and worked tirelessly for the rights of African Americans.

HelenPurvis

Helen Purvis is a British mathematician and professor known for her contributions to the field of number theory and her work on the Riemann zeta function.

MarkPurvis

Mark Purvis is an Australian film director and screenwriter known for his work on independent films and documentaries.

Purvis Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Purvis' is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word 'pùirneis,' which means 'bushy place' or 'thicket.' It was originally a locational surname given to someone who lived near or in a wooded or overgrown area.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Purvis' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southern states such as North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee. It is also found in smaller numbers in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Purvis' include 'Pervis' and 'Purves.'
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Purvis' have migrated and immigrated to various countries, particularly during periods of Scottish emigration and British colonization. Many Purvis families can trace their roots back to Scotland.