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Last Name Purkhiser

What is the origin of the last name Purkhiser?

The surname Purkhiser is of German origin. It is believed to be derived from the personal name Burkhard, a compound of the Old High German elements "burg", meaning "fortress", and "hard", meaning "brave" or "hardy". Over time, the name evolved into Purkhiser and has been passed down through generations as a family name.

origin of the last name Purkhiser

Learn more about the origin of the last name Purkhiser

The meaning and origin of the last name Purkhiser

The surname Purkhiser has German origins and is believed to be derived from the given name Burkhard, which means "brave and hardy" in Old German. The suffix 'er' indicates a profession or occupation, possibly referring to a person who worked as a burgher or a citizen in a town or city. Variants of the surname include Burkiser, Burchiser, and Burkhiser. Over time, the name may have undergone changes in spelling and pronunciation, leading to the different variations seen today. The surname Purkhiser has likely been passed down through generations, with individuals bearing the name tracing their ancestry to German-speaking regions where the name originated.

Geographical distribution of the last name Purkhiser

The last name Purkhiser is relatively rare and primarily found in the United States. The majority of individuals with the surname Purkhiser reside in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana, with smaller concentrations in Texas and North Carolina. The name likely has German origins, as it is a variation of the German surname "Burchardt." There is limited information available on the distribution of the name outside of the United States, suggesting that it may be predominantly American. However, it is possible that there are Purkhisers living in other countries, particularly in Europe where German immigrants may have settled in the past. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Purkhiser is most prominent in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and East Coast regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Purkhiser

The last name Purkhiser can be spelled in various ways such as Purkheiser, Purkheiser, Purkeysar, Perkhiser, Perkhiser, Perkeysar, Pirkhiser, Pirkheiser, Pirkheiser, Porkhiser, Porkheiser, Porkheiser, Parkhiser, Parkheiser, Parkheiser. These variations may be due to different pronunciations or spellings over time, as well as migration and immigration patterns of individuals with the surname. Despite the slight differences in spelling, all these variations ultimately refer to individuals who are likely part of the same family lineage or share a common ancestor with the last name Purkhiser.

Famous people with the last name Purkhiser

One of the most famous individuals with the last name Purkhiser is Patrica Purkhiser, also known as Patrica Morrison. She was a renowned American singer and musician who gained widespread recognition as the bassist and vocalist for the punk rock band The Bags. Patrica was a trailblazer in the Los Angeles punk scene during the late 1970s and early 1980s, influencing countless musicians with her raw and powerful performances. Another notable figure with the last name Purkhiser is Kristian Purkhiser, an accomplished visual artist known for his thought-provoking and innovative installations. Both Patrica and Kristian have left a lasting impact on their respective fields, solidifying the Purkhiser name in the annals of music and art history.

Genealogical research on the last name Purkhiser

The surname Purkhiser is of German origin and is believed to be a variation of the surname Burkaiser. The earliest known record of the Purkhiser name dates back to the 18th century in Germany, where individuals with this name were primarily found in the regions of Bavaria and Rhineland. Over time, descendants of the Purkhiser family migrated to the United States, particularly to Pennsylvania and Ohio, where they settled and established roots. Genealogical research on the Purkhiser surname shows that the family has a long history of farmers and tradespeople, with a strong sense of community and family ties. Today, individuals with the last name Purkhiser can still be found in various parts of the United States, continuing the legacy of their ancestors.

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