PURSE

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Purse

The surname Purse is of English origin and is classified as a locational surname, derived from the Old English term "purse" meaning a money bag or pouch, indicating that the original bearers of this surname might have been a pursemaker or seller. Alternatively, the name may also have been topographical, derived from someone who lived near a purse-shaped geographic feature.

The Purse surname is relatively rare and is primarily found in the southern counties of England. Historical records indicate that individuals bearing the surname Purse have been associated with various occupations, including merchants, tradesmen, and labourers.

Notable bearers of the Purse surname include individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields such as business, academia, and the arts. The surname Purse continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining its legacy in British history and genealogy.

In modern times, individuals with the surname Purse may trace their ancestry back to specific regions in England, with some branches of the family having established themselves in other parts of the United Kingdom and even overseas.

The Purse surname carries a distinct historical and cultural significance within the British Isles, serving as a reminder of the diverse origins and occupations of the families that bear this name.

There are approximately 623 people named Purse in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around ten in a million people in Britain are named Purse.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Alan
Andrew
David
Graham
Howard
James
John
Michael
Simon
Stephen
Thomas
Toby
William

Female

Alison
Christine
Elizabeth
Jacqueline
Julie
Katherine
Linda
Lisa
Michelle
Susan

Similar and related surnames

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