The Purvess Family Name

One surname, two spellings: Purvess and Purvis. Its meaning, shared with Purvis, is “purveyor of provisions”.

Arms associated with the name

A coat of arms belongs to a particular family line rather than to everyone named Purvess, so the heraldry linked to Purvis is a starting point, not an automatic right.

Purvess and Purvis

Purvess is listed among the recognised spellings of Purvis. Spellings drifted because names were written down by ear in parish books, tax rolls and passenger lists. You may also find the name written Purves.

Research your Purvess family history with a full surname report and painted coat of arms.