Show ContentsPervor History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

In Scotland, the name originates from the term "parveys" which means "at the church porch or portico of St. Paul's, where the lawyers were went to meet for consultation." 1

Early Origins of the Pervor family

The surname Pervor was first found in Berwickshire, "which gave name to Purveshaugh. They were vassals of the earls of March. William Purveys of Mospennoc made a grant along with Sir Archibald of Douglas to the monks of Melrose, c. 1214-1249. William Porveys of Peeblesshire rendered homage [to King Edward I of England] in 1296. As William Puruys he again appears in 1296 as witness to a charter by William de Billingham relating to lands at Fleurs, near Coldingham (Ratne). William Pourays of Berwickshire also rendered homage, 1296 (Bain, II, p. 206). Alan Purvays de Ercildon witnessed a confirmation charter by Patrick, earl of March in 1318 (Dryburgh, 233), William Purwase was one of an inquest at Swinton in 1408." 1

Early History of the Pervor family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pervor research. Another 207 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1180, 1427, 1438, 1453, 1474, 1485, 1547, 1548, 1562, 1590, 1603, 1639, 1699, 1734, 1743, 1753, 1754, 1755, 1756, 1776, 1795 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Pervor History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pervor Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Purvis, Purves, Purvice, Purvess and others.

Early Notables of the Pervor family

Notable among the family at this time was James Purves (1734-1795), Scottish sectary, born at Blackadder, near Edington (he writes it 'Identown'), Berwickshire, on 23 Sept. 1734. His father, a shepherd, died in 1754. On 1 Dec. 1755 he was admitted to membership in a religious society at Chirnside, Berwickshire. This was one of several 'fellowship societies' formed by James Fraser (1639-1699). They had joined the 'reformed presbytery' in 1743, but separated from it in 1753, as holders of the doctrine that our...
Another 82 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Pervor Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Pervor family to Ireland

Some of the Pervor family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Pervor family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Catherine Purvice, who settled with her husband in Nevis in 1663; Alexander and William Purves arrived in Philadelphia in 1860; James and Jane Purvis arrived in Virginia in 1805.



The Pervor Motto +

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: Clarior e Tenebris
Motto Translation: The brighter from previous obscurity.


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


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