| ![Show Contents]() Purvice History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of PurviceWhat does the name Purvice mean? The Purvice surname is generally thought to have come from the Middle English word "purveys," meaning "provisions," or "supplies;" and as such it was likely an occupational name, for a person responsible for procuring the supplies of a monastery or manor house. 1 One source claims the English name comes from the "(Anglo-French-Latin), dweller at a Parvis or Porch (gen. of a church) [Anglo-French parvys, Old French parvis, Low Latin paravis-us; Latin paradis-us] The parvis, or portico, of old St. Paul’s was much frequented by lawyers." 2 "A Sergeant of the Lawe, war and wys, That often hadde ben at the Parvys." Chaucer, Canterbury Tales. Early Origins of the Purvice familyThe surname Purvice was first found in Suffolk where "the Purvises of Darsham [may have] originated from the family of Purvis 'of that Ilk' in Scotland. 'That Ilk,' however, does not appear to be identified, although the name Purvoys, or Perves, is found in ancient records of the Lowland counties. I think the name is more likely to be derived from the Anglo-Norman pervis, or praise." 3 Another source concurs with the Scottish origin theory, 4 but as an occupational name, we are uncertain as to which came first. We do note that Gilbert Purveys was found in London in 1400 and Eva Purveys was found in Norfolk in 1450. 4 "In 1451 John Graunger of the butlery of the Prioress of St Radegund, Cambridge, was paid 3s. 'in regardo pro officio Purvis domine' (Rad 174), the editor explaining Purvis as 'a servant who acted as purveyor, provisor'. cf. OFr porveor 'provider' of supplies, especially in a hospital. ' 4 Early History of the Purvice familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Purvice research. Another 141 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1180, 1296, 1450, 1453, 1524, 1590, 1715, 1772 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Purvice History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Purvice Spelling VariationsSpelling variations of this family name include: Purvis, Purves, Purvice, Purvess and others. Early Notables of the Purvice familyMore information is included under the topic Early Purvice Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Purvice family to IrelandSome of the Purvice 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.
| Purvice migration to the United States | + |
Purvice Settlers in United States in the 17th Century- Catherine Purvice, who settled with her husband in Nevis in 1663
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.
- Hanks, Patricia and Flavia Hodges, A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1988. Print. (ISBN 0-19-211592-8)
- Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
- Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
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