Purdie

Purdie is a surname of Scottish origin that is believed to have derived from the Old French personal name "Purde", which means "man of the wood" or "someone who came from the woods". The surname Purdie is primarily found in Scotland, particularly in the areas around Edinburgh and the Lothians.

History and Origins

The Purdie surname is thought to have originated as a nickname for someone who lived in or near a wooded area, reflecting the importance of the forest in medieval Scotland. Over time, the surname became hereditary and passed down through generations.

Notable Individuals

1. Allan Purdie

  • A Scottish architect known for his work in designing prominent buildings in Edinburgh and other parts of Scotland during the 19th century.

2. Jimmy Purdie

  • A well-known Scottish footballer who played for various clubs in the mid-20th century, gaining fame for his skills as a midfielder.

Distribution

The Purdie surname is relatively uncommon, with the majority of individuals bearing this name residing in Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom. However, there are also instances of Purdie families in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Variants

Variants of the Purdie surname include Purday, Purdew, Prudie, and Purdye, each representing different phonetic spellings of the original name.

In conclusion, the surname Purdie has a rich history in Scotland, with connections to nature and the woodlands. Today, individuals with the Purdie surname can be found across the world, continuing to honour their heritage and legacy.

There are approximately 2,425 people named Purdie in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,588th most common surname in Britain. Around 37 in a million people in Britain are named Purdie.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Anne
  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Grace
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Janet
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Sandra
  • Sarah

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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