| ![Show Contents]() Purtill History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Although the Irish had their own system of hereditary surnames and the Strongbow settlers brought with them their own Anglo-Norman naming practices, the two traditions generally worked well together. The name Purtill is an occupational surname, a form of hereditary name that existed in both cultures long before the invaders arrived, but more common to the Anglo-Norman culture. Occupational surnames were derived from a word describing the actual job done by the original name bearer. Early Strongbownian names of this type often used the prefix le, meaning the, in French, but the use of this prefix did not last in the language of the vernacular. The surname Purtill came from a common occupational name for a swineherd. The surname Purtill is derived from the Norman-French word porcel, which in turn comes from the Latin word porcus, which means pig or piglet. Occupational names such as Purtill frequently were derived from the principal object associated with the activity of the original bearer, such as tools or products. These types of occupational surnames are called metonymic surnames. The Gaelic form of the surname Purtill is Puirséil. Early Origins of the Purtill familyThe surname Purtill was first found in Surrey, England and later in County Tipperary. As many Norman families, they accompanied Strongbow in the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland in 1172. The English branch in Surrey continued their stronghold in Surrey for many years. As far as the Irish branch is concerned, it is generally believed that Sir Hugh Purcell, a Strongbow knight was the progenitor of the family in Ireland. His grandson, another Sir Hugh married Beatrix, daughter of Theobald FitzWalter, Chief Butler of Ireland about 1204 and received Loghmoe (Loughmore,) a village in North Tipperary as a wedding present. 1 A direct line of the family continued until 1722 with the death of Nicholas Purcell, 13th Baron of Loughmoe. Early History of the Purtill familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Purtill research. Another 93 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1651, 1659, 1660, 1664, 1665, 1691, 1695 and 1717 are included under the topic Early Purtill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Purtill Spelling VariationsA single person's name was often spelt simply as it sounded by medieval scribes and church officials. An investigation into the specific origins the name Purtill has revealed that such a practice has resulted in many spelling variations over the years. A few of its variants include: Purcell, Purcel, Pursell, Purcill, Purcells, Percell, Porcell, Percill, Persell, Percel, Pirsell, Porcill, Porsell, Purcelle, Purcele, Persells, Pursells, Purcels, Porcells, Purchell, Purscel, Purtill and many more. Early Notables of the Purtill familyNotable amongst the family up to this time was John Purcell (died 1665), Welsh politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1660 to 1665; Henry Purcell (1659-1695), generally considered England's greatest composer of the Baroque era; his younger brother Daniel Purcell (1664-1717) was...
Another 44 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Purtill Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
 Purtill migration to Australia | + |
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Purtill Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century- Margaret Purtill, aged 22, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Coromandel" 2
- Mary Purtill, aged 20, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Coromandel" 2
| Contemporary Notables of the name Purtill (post 1700) | + |
- John W. Purtill Jr. (b. 1889), American Democratic Party politician, Paper manufacturer; Member of Connecticut State House of Representatives from Glastonbury, 1919-20; Defeated, 1932
- Frank J. Purtill, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Illinois, 1924
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Aut vincam aut periam
Motto Translation: Either conquer or perish.
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Purtill migration to Australia 
Ireland
England
