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

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Purchase"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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 : 11 June 2025

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