NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Purvis

What is the origin of the name Purvis?

The origin of the name Purvis is uncertain. It is believed to have English or Scottish roots. In English, "purvis" historically referred to a public servant or an officer responsible for maintaining order, collecting taxes, or other administrative duties. It may have originated as an occupational surname for someone who held such a position. Over time, surnames often evolved into first names, so it is possible that Purvis originated in this way. In Scottish, "purvis" could be a variation or anglicized form of the Scottish name "Pervis," which is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Phearsain." "Mac" means "son of," and "Phearsain" is a personal name of uncertain meaning. Hence, Pervis or Purvis might signify "son of Phearsain." Given the ambiguity of its origins, the exact source and meaning of the name Purvis remain unclear.

Learn more about the origin of the name Purvis

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Purvis

The first name Purvis is of Scottish origin and has a unique and interesting meaning. It is derived from the Old French word "pourveour" which translates to "provider" or "supplier". The name Purvis originally referred to someone who held an important role as a supplier or steward. It is believed to have been bestowed upon individuals who were responsible for ensuring that communities or households had a steady provision of goods and resources. This name was often given to individuals who demonstrated great organizational skills, diligence, and reliability in their role as providers. Over time, Purvis became a surname and later evolved into a given name. Today, individuals named Purvis often embody qualities of responsibility, dependability, and efficiency. The name carries a sense of trustworthiness and may also reflect the desire of parents to have their child embrace a role of providing and caring for others.

Character traits associated with the name Purvis

The name Purvis carries a unique set of character traits that give it a distinctive charm. Those who bear the name Purvis are often known for their strong sense of individuality and independence. They are driven by their ambition and possess an unwavering determination to succeed in whatever they set their mind to. Purvis individuals are naturally curious and have a thirst for knowledge, constantly seeking new experiences that broaden their horizons. They are adaptable and possess great problem-solving skills, often finding ingenious solutions to challenges that come their way. Purvis is known for their charismatic personality, drawing others towards them with their innate charm and wit. They are natural-born leaders, displaying a sense of authority and taking charge when necessary. Above all, individuals with the name Purvis are kind-hearted, compassionate, and possess a strong sense of loyalty towards their loved ones, making them cherished members of their social circles.

Popularity of the name Purvis

The popularity of the first name Purvis is relatively low in comparison to more commonly used names. According to available data, the name Purvis does not rank among the top 1000 most popular names in recent decades. It is considered a unique and uncommon choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. The limited popularity of Purvis could be attributed to various factors, such as its unusual sound and spelling, which may not appeal to a wide audience. Additionally, cultural and regional preferences play a significant role in name popularity, and Purvis may not align with prevailing naming trends in certain societies. However, despite its lack of widespread popularity, the name Purvis can be regarded as a choice that sets an individual apart, offering a sense of distinctiveness and individuality.

Famous people with the name Purvis

Purvis is not a very common first name, and therefore there are not many famous people who bear this name. However, there have been a few notable individuals with the first name Purvis. Purvis Young was an American artist who gained recognition for his unique style of expressionist painting. Born in 1943 in Miami, Florida, his work often depicted marginalized communities and social issues. Young's vibrant and spontaneous paintings, often created on salvaged materials, can be found in galleries and private collections around the world. He passed away in 2010, leaving behind a lasting impact on the art world. Another famous individual with the first name Purvis is Purvis Short, a former professional basketball player. Born in 1957 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Short enjoyed a successful career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) primarily playing for the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets. Standing at 6'7", he was known for his scoring ability and was named an NBA All-Star in 1984. Although not many, these notable individuals named Purvis have made significant contributions in their respective fields, leaving a lasting legacy.

Variations of the name Purvis

The name Purvis has a few variations that have emerged over time. One of the most common variations is Purvisson, which adds the suffix "-son" at the end, indicating son of Purvis. This variation is often seen as a patronymic, connecting individuals to their paternal heritage. Another variation is Pervis, which drops the "u" and replaces it with an "e." This variation is more phonetically simplified and may have different regional origins. A less common variation is Purves, which changes the ending of the name to "es," giving it a slightly more aristocratic sound. This variation is often associated with Scottish origins. These variations add diversity to the name Purvis, reflecting different cultural and regional influences. Regardless of the variation, the underlying name still carries its own distinct charm and history.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Puran (First name)

forenames > puran

The name "Puran" is of Indian origin, derived from Sanskrit. It is often used in Hindu culture and means "ancient" or "old".

Puran kamboj (First name)

forenames > puran-kamboj

The name Puran Kamboj likely originates from the Kamboj community in North India. Kamboj is a surname commonly used by people of the Kamboj ethnic group, which has roots in the Pun...

Puran mal meena (First name)

forenames > puran-mal-meena

The first name "Puran Mal Meena" has origins in India. "Puran" is a name of Sanskrit origin meaning "complete" or "whole." "Mal" is a common surname in India, and "Meena" is a comm...

Puran rani (First name)

forenames > puran-rani

The first name Puran Rani originates from India. "Puran" means "complete" or "whole" in Hindi, while "Rani" means "queen." Typically, "Rani" is used as a title for a queen or a wom...

Puran singh (First name)

forenames > puran-singh

The name "Puran Singh" is of Punjabi origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit words "Puran" meaning "complete" or "whole", and "Singh" which is a common surname in the Sikh communit...

Puran singh manai (First name)

forenames > puran-singh-manai

The name Puran Singh Manai is of Indian origin. "Puran" is a Sanskrit name meaning "complete" or "perfect," while "Singh" is a common Sikh surname meaning "lion." "Manai" is a surn...

Puran soni (First name)

forenames > puran-soni

The name "Puran" originates from Indian/Sanskrit origin. It means "complete" or "whole" in Sanskrit. "Soni" is a surname commonly found in the Indian state of Gujarat, and may have...

Purandar (First name)

forenames > purandar

The name Purandar originates from Sanskrit and is derived from the deity Lord Indra, who is also known as Purandara, meaning "destroyer of forts" or "destroyer of enemies." In Hi...

Purandara (First name)

forenames > purandara

The first name "Purandara" is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit words "Pura" meaning town or city, and "Andara" meaning destroyer, referring to the Hindu god Indra ...

Purandaradas (First name)

forenames > purandaradas

The origin of the first name "Purandaradas" is from South India, specifically from the Kannada language. It is a compound name composed of "Purandara" which means destroyer of citi...

Purandra (First name)

forenames > purandra

The origin of the name Purandra is believed to be Sanskrit.

Purani jeans (First name)

forenames > purani-jeans

"Purani Jeans" is an Indian name, with "Purani" meaning "old" and "Jeans" referring to the type of pants. It is likely used metaphorically to denote something retro or nostalgic.

Purankumar (First name)

forenames > purankumar

The first name Purankumar is of Indian origin.

Puranmal (First name)

forenames > puranmal

The first name Puranmal is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Hindi language and means "beloved of the gods."

Purbasha (First name)

forenames > purbasha

The name Purbasha is of Indian origin.