Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Purchase

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Purchase?

The surname "Purchase" has Anglo-Saxon roots and is derived from the Old English preposition "purch" meaning "through" or "across," and the Old Norse word "byr" meaning "village" or "farm." It is believed to have been originally a locative name, describing someone who lived near a crossing place or market town. The name became popular in England during the Middle Ages and was brought to America by English settlers.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Purchase

The meaning and origin of the last name Purchase

The surname Purchase is an Anglo-Saxon and Norman English occupational name derived from the Old French "purce" meaning 'pear' or 'pearl', and the Old Norse word "bursr", meaning 'purse'. It most likely originated as a nickname for someone who was meticulous, frugal, or thrifty, possibly due to their association with the pearl, symbolizing wisdom and value, or because they were skilled in handling money or purses. The name may also have been acquired by a person who lived at or near a place where pears grew abundantly or where pearls were sold. In medieval Europe, occupational names often formed the backbone of communities as regulatory and administrative responsibilities became hereditary.

Geographical distribution of the last name Purchase

The surname Purchase is predominantly found in English-speaking regions, particularly in England and Wales, where it originated. It is also prevalent among descendants of English settlers in North America, including the United States and Canada. The distribution extends to other former British colonies such as Australia, New Zealand, and various Caribbean islands. In Europe, occasional occurrences can be found in Scotland and Ireland, suggesting possible historical migration or adoption. Additionally, some instances of the surname Purchase have been identified in South Africa, likely due to the presence of English settlers during the colonial period.

Variants and spellings of the last name Purchase

The surname Purchase has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common versions include Purchese, Purchas, Purchace, Purchouse, and Purchass. These differences can arise due to factors such as dialect, transcription errors, or migration-related changes in the way a name is pronounced and written. For instance, in British English, the "u" may be replaced with an "e" or "i," resulting in names like Perchese, Perchas, Perchace, Perchouse, or Perchass. In American English, it might become Purcise, Purchis, Purcahose, or Purcass. These variations serve as reminders of the rich historical tapestry and cultural diversity that have shaped our surnames over time.

Famous people with the last name Purchase

Amongst notable individuals with the surname Purchase, there are several who have made significant contributions across various fields. In entertainment, for instance, Edward Purchase (1942-), an English actor, has appeared in numerous television and film productions since the late 1960s, including notable roles in "The Bill" and "EastEnders." In the realm of business, Charles F. Purchase (1833-1905) was a prominent figure in the United States during the Industrial Revolution, serving as the President of the Erie Railroad and helping to shape transportation infrastructure. Additionally, Elizabeth Purchase (1865-1947), an American journalist and suffragette, campaigned for women's rights and worked tirelessly for their voting rights. Lastly, in the sports world, John Purchase (1874-1938) was a prominent footballer in England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, playing for several prestigious clubs such as The Wednesday and Aston Villa.

Genealogical research on the last name Purchase

The surname Purchase is of Old French origin, derived from the occupation of a buyer or merchant. It is believed to have been introduced into England by the Normans following the Conquest in 1066. Over time, variations in spelling have emerged due to factors such as translation errors and regional dialects. Some of these include Purchese, Purchas, and Purcell. Notable individuals bearing this surname include William Purchase (died c. 1394), an English Franciscan friar, Thomas Purchas (1570-1626), an English cleric who authored "Purchas his Pilgrimage", and Robert Lee Purschase (1872-1928), a U.S. Representative from Kansas. Genealogical research can be further explored through resources such as census records, church databases, and family history websites to trace the ancestry of individuals with the surname Purchase.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
About the author :

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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Purackal

Last name • surnames > purackal

The surname Purackal has its origins in the state of Kerala, India. It is predominantly found in the Christian community in the region and is believed to be of Syrian Christian ori...

#2 Purakalintevida

Last name • surnames > purakalintevida

The last name "Purakalintevida" is likely of Indian origin. It may be derived from a combination of Sanskrit or Dravidian words or have cultural significance within certain regiona...

#3 Purakit

Last name • surnames > purakit

The last name "Purakit" is of Thai origin. It is a surname typically found in Thailand and may have various meanings or origins within Thai culture.

#4 Purakkaal

Last name • surnames > purakkaal

The last name "Purakkaal" is of Finnish origin.

#5 Purakkalathi

Last name • surnames > purakkalathi

The last name "Purakkalathi" appears to be of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Kerala. It is likely derived from a place name or a familial association.

#6 Purakkandy

Last name • surnames > purakkandy

The last name "Purakkandy" originates from the state of Kerala in India. It is derived from the name of a place called Purakkad, which is a village in the Alappuzha district of Ker...

#7 Purakkat

Last name • surnames > purakkat

The last name "Purakkat" is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Kerala. It is commonly found among the Nair community in the region.

#8 Purakkatt

Last name • surnames > purakkatt

The last name "Purakkatt" is of Indian origin and is commonly found among the Malayali people in the state of Kerala. It is believed to be derived from the place name "Purakkad," w...

#9 Purakkattiri

Last name • surnames > purakkattiri

The last name "Purakkattiri" has its origin in the Malayalam language from the state of Kerala in southern India. It is believed to be a derivative of the word "Puram" which means ...

#10 Purakoti

Last name • surnames > purakoti

The last name "Purakoti" originates from Nepal. It is a common surname among the Gurung ethnic group in the western part of the country.

#11 Puramal

Last name • surnames > puramal

The last name "Puramal" is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Puramala," which means "a garland of cities" or "a necklace of towns." This surname is commonly f...

#12 Puramannoor

Last name • surnames > puramannoor

The last name Puramannoor is of Indian origin. It is derived from the place name Puramannoor, which is a village in the state of Kerala in southern India.

#13 Puramannur

Last name • surnames > puramannur

The last name Puramannur is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Kerala. It is likely derived from the name of a place in Kerala or a clan name associated with that reg...

#14 Puramasi

Last name • surnames > puramasi

The last name "Puramasi" is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Puramasi," which means "one who dwells in a city."

#15 Puramathilssery

Last name • surnames > puramathilssery

The last name "Puramathilssery" appears to have origins in Kerala, a state in southern India. This last name likely comes from a combination of geographic and familial elements, po...