As described in historical dictionaries

Patronymica Britannica (1860)

PURVIS. According to the account given in B.L.G., the Purvises of Darsham, CO. Suffolk, originated from the family of Purvis " of that Ilk" in Scotland. " That Ilk," however, does not appear to be identified, although the name Purvoys, or Perves, is found in ancient records of the Lowland counties. I tliink the name is more likely to be derived from the A'Norm. 2JC7'vis, or pa rvise, vhich Kelham defines as, " the outer court of a palace or great house. , . . Such was the place in PalaceYard, near Westminster Hall, mentioned by Fortescue, De Laud. Leg. Ang. c. 51; and Dugdale also takes notice of the Pervyse of Pa?vles."

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.