Purnell Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Purnell come from? What does the surname Purnell mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Purnell and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Purnell Origin: What does the last name Purnell mean?
The surname Purnell first appeared in records from England in the early 16th century, according to YourRoots data. It remained closely associated with England from the 16th to the 19th centuries, with family records also found in countries like Wales, indicating global spread over the centuries.
YourRoots data confirms the significant growth of records with the Purnell surname by the 20th century in England and Wales. Today, the Purnell surname remains prominent in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, and South Africa, with appearances in countries like New Zealand, Ireland, and Jamaica, showcasing its widespread presence across various regions and cultures.
Purnell Last Name History: Where did the last name Purnell come from?
Origin of Purnell Surname: Where does the last name Purnell originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Purnell first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Purnell spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Purnell: What does the Purnell surname history look like in the early days?
The Purnell surname remained closely associated with England from the 16th to the 19th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Purnell family records in countries like Wales, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Purnell surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Purnell surname grew significantly in England and Wales. The Purnell surname remains prominent in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, and South Africa. It appears in many countries, including New Zealand, Ireland, and Jamaica.
Explore Purnell last name heritage and Purnell surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Purnell Surame?
Ella Purnell
Ella Summer Purnell (born Sep 17, 1996) is an English actress known for her work in various films and television series. She began her career as a child actress in West End theatre and has appeared in popular movies such as "Maleficent" and "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children." Purnell has also starred in TV series like "Yellowjackets" and "Belgravia." With a passion for activism, she co-founded an organization aimed at eradicating honor-based violence and forced child marriage. Purnell continues to use her platform to raise awareness about important issues and bring about positive change.
James Purnell
James Mark Dakin Purnell (born Mar 2, 1970) is a British former broadcasting executive and Labour Party politician. He served as a Cabinet minister in the Brown Government from 2007 to 2009, holding roles such as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Purnell later became the BBC's Director of Radio and Strategy before becoming the vice-chancellor of University of the Arts London. He is also known for his work as a film producer and his involvement in various public policy organizations. Purnell's career has been marked by his contributions to media, politics, and academia.
Oliver Purnell
Oliver Gordon Purnell Jr. (born May 19, 1953) is a former American college basketball coach known for leading teams at Radford University, Old Dominion University, the University of Dayton, Clemson University, and DePaul University. He achieved a career record of 448–386 and notably guided the Clemson Tigers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in ten years. Purnell also coached the USA World University Team to a gold medal in 1999. His dedication to the sport and leadership on and off the court earned him respect and recognition in the basketball community.
Glynn Purnell
Glynn Purnell (born Jan 1975) is an English chef, restaurateur, and TV personality known for his Michelin-starred restaurants and appearances on popular cooking shows. Growing up in Chelmsley Wood, he honed his culinary skills early on, eventually earning accolades for his fine dining establishments such as Purnell's. Purnell has also written cookbooks and hosted TV programs like Saturday Kitchen, showcasing his innovative recipes and charismatic personality. With a passion for food and a knack for entertaining, Glynn Purnell has become a beloved figure in the culinary world.
Sonia Purnell
Sonia Mary Purnell is a British writer and journalist known for her insightful biographies. She has worked at prestigious publications like The Economist, The Daily Telegraph, and The Sunday Times. Purnell gained acclaim for her book "Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill," which was praised by The Telegraph and The Independent and was a finalist for the Plutarch Award. She also penned the book and screenplay for the upcoming film about Virginia Hall – A Woman of No Importance, produced by J. J. Abrams. With a knack for bringing historical figures to life, Purnell's work has been recognized as a "Best Book of the Year" by NPR.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.