| ![Show Contents]() Perefrey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of PerefreyWhat does the name Perefrey mean? The Perefrey family's name is derived from the ancient Norman culture that was established in Britain following the Norman Conquest of island in 1066. Their name originated with an early member who was a man of true faith. The name was originally derived from the Old French purefei, meaning one who was staunch and true and by my faith "The present spelling is a popular etymology, 'pure faith', which arose when per, par and pur fell together in pronunciation. " 1 Early Origins of the Perefrey familyThe surname Perefrey was first found in Staffordshire where the Feet of Fines list William Parfei in 1195 and Henry Parfei in the Assize Rolls of 1203. Later in Sussex, Robert Parfoy was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for 1296. In Warwickshire, William Purfey was listed there in the 13th century. Again in Sussex, we found Ralph Perfai in 1327 and Ralph Parfay in 1332. Later again, William Purefay was found in Leicestershire in 1412. 1 "The family were seated at Misterton, co. Leicester, in 1277. The motto borne by one branch is 'Pure foy est ma joie.'" 2 Early History of the Perefrey familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Perefrey research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1557, 1580, 1617, 1627, 1628, 1631, 1649 and 1659 are included under the topic Early Perefrey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Perefrey Spelling VariationsBefore English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Perefrey include Purefoy, Purefield, Purefree, Purefrey, Purfrey, Purfry and many more. Early Notables of the Perefrey familyWilliam Purefoy (c.1580-1659) who was appointed to the High Court of Justice that tried and condemned King Charles I in 1649. He was eldest son of Francis Purefoy (d. 1617), and was elected Member of Parliament for Coventry (1627-1628) and Sheriff of Warwickshire in 1631. He joined in the signing of the death-warrant of Charles I. 3
Robert Warton...
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Perefrey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Perefrey family to IrelandSome of the Perefrey family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Perefrey familyIn England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Perefreys to arrive on North American shores: Lieutenant Purfrey who settled in Virginia in 1623; Lucy Purefoy, who settled in Virginia in 1629; Samuell Purefoy, who came to St. Christopher (New England) in 1633.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
- Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
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