Purvis Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Purvis come from? What does the surname Purvis mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Purvis and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Purvis Origin: What does the last name Purvis mean?
The surname Purvis is of English origin and first appeared in records in the United States during the 19th century. It remained closely associated with both the United States and England during this time. The name Purvis is believed to have originated as a surname and occasionally a masculine given name, with notable individuals bearing this name across various fields such as sports, politics, and the arts.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Purvis surname in the United States and England by the 20th century, with a significant increase in records. Today, the Purvis surname remains prominent in these countries, reflecting a rich history and legacy that has endured over the years. As with many surnames, the meaning and origin of Purvis are rooted in the cultural and historical context of the regions where it is most prevalent, showcasing the diverse and interconnected nature of family histories.
Purvis Last Name History: Where did the last name Purvis come from?
Origin of Purvis Surname: Where does the last name Purvis originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Purvis first appeared in records from the United States during the 19th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Purvis spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Purvis: What does the Purvis surname history look like in the early days?
The Purvis surname remained closely associated with the United States and England during the 19th century.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Purvis surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Purvis surname grew significantly in the United States. The Purvis surname remains prominent in the United States and England.
Explore Purvis last name heritage and Purvis surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Purvis Surame?
Melvin Purvis
Melvin Horace Purvis II (Oct 24, 1903 – Feb 29, 1960) was an FBI agent known for capturing notorious bank robbers John Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd in 1934. He also had a military career involving General George Patton, Hermann Göring, and the Nuremberg Trials. Purvis' early life in Timmonsville, South Carolina, and his rise through the ranks at the FBI showcased his dedication and determination. His investigations into high-profile cases like the Factor kidnapping and the pursuit of Dillinger solidified his legacy in law enforcement history.
Ella Maisy Purvis
Ella Maisy Purvis (June 2, 2003 - present) is a talented English actress known for her roles in television series such as Heartstopper and A Kind of Spark. Diagnosed with autism at 17, Purvis has used her experiences to bring authenticity to her characters, such as crime-solving neurodivergent police archivist Patience Evans in Channel 4's Patience. With upcoming roles in romantic comedy CC: Emily and the reboot of crime drama Bergerac, Purvis continues to captivate audiences with her unique performances.
Alston Purvis
Philip Alston Willcox Purvis (born 1943) is an American graphic designer, artist, professor, and author. He is the son of Melvin Purvis, a notable FBI agent known for his feud with J. Edgar Hoover. Alston Purvis has taught at prestigious institutions and written books, including a biography of his father. His work has been showcased in various exhibitions and he continues to inspire the world with his creative talents and insightful writings.
Jeff Purvis
Jeffery Purvis (born Feb 19, 1959) is a former NASCAR Xfinity Series race car driver known for his 15-year career with four wins and 25 top-five finishes. He suffered a massive brain injury in a 2002 crash, ending his NASCAR career in 2004. Before NASCAR, Purvis excelled as a dirt track racer, winning the World 100 at Eldora Speedway three times in the '80s. His NASCAR journey included stints in the Winston Cup and Busch Series, driving for teams like Bobby Allison and Morgan-McClure Motorsports. Despite ups and downs, Purvis left a mark on the racing world with his competitive spirit and determination.
Alana Hawley Purvis
Alana Hawley Purvis, sometimes credited as Alana Hawley, is a Canadian actress from Vancouver, British Columbia. She gained recognition for her role as Frankie in the 2021 film Range Roads and received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Actress at the 10th Canadian Screen Awards in 2022. Prior to this, she appeared in The Valley Below, a 2014 film by Range Roads director Kyle Thomas.
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