Show ContentsPurden History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Purden surname in England is of Norman origins, thought to have originally been a nickname from the Old French "prud’homme" meaning "wise man."

Early Origins of the Purden family

The surname Purden was first found in Wiltshire, and Surrey. where Gilbert Prodhome or Prudume was on record in the Pipe Rolls in the 12th century. The name Roger Prodomme or Prodhomme was recorded in the Feet of Fines of Essex in 1284, and in 1326. The place named Pridhamsleigh, in Devon is named for John Prodhomme, who lived there in 1281. Like many Norman names, Purden made its way to Scotland, where the first record of the name was of Willelmus Prodomme of Scotia, a mercator who had safe conduct to England in 1373.

Early History of the Purden family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Purden research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1454, 1476, 1597, 1609, 1675, 1687, 1708, 1709 and 1737 are included under the topic Early Purden History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Purden Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Prudholm, Prudham, Prodhamn, Proudhome, Prudholme, Prudhome, Prodomme, Purdomme, Purdon, Purdholm and many more.

Early Notables of the Purden family

More information is included under the topic Early Purden Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Purden family to Ireland

Some of the Purden family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 105 words (8 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Purden migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Purden Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Thomas Purden who settled in Virginia in 1770
Purden Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Jane Purden, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1812 1


  1. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)


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