Purdham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of Purdham

What does the name Purdham mean?

The Purdham 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 Purdham family

The surname Purdham 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, Purdham 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 Purdham family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Purdham 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 Purdham History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Purdham 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 Purdham family

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

Migration of the Purdham family to Ireland

Some of the Purdham 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.

Migration of the Purdham family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Phillip Prudhome who settled in Louisiana in 1756; Rene Prudholm who settled in Philadelphia in 1798; Thomas Purden who settled in Virginia in 1770; Robert Purdon (b. 1786) who settled in Quebec in 1821.

Contemporary Notables of the name Purdham (post 1700) +

David Purdham (b. 1951), American character actor who has appeared in approximately one hundred films, television series and theatre productions throughout his career
Rob Purdham (b. 1980), English professional rugby league player who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s
Garry Purdham (1978-2010), English professional rugby league player who was killed in the 2010 Cumbria shootings