What does Purvis mean and where does it come from?
Purvis is derived from the Old French name 'Purvis' meaning 'the person from Pierrefonds.' The exact origins can be traced to ancient roots in France, where the name reflects geographic place identification. Popular in the United States since the 19th century, Purvis remains less common as a persona
Cultural significance
Purvis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the person from pierrefonds.
Peak popularity
Reached #1088 in 1905 — currently #1788 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Purvis?
Purvis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Purvis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Purvis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Purvis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Purvis Claire
French influence · crisp
Purvis Jane
Literary · strong
Purvis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Purvis right now?
Holding steady — currently #1788 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1788 | 412 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1793 | 392 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1798 | 362 | ▲ up 5454 · +5933% births |
| 1990 | #7252 | 6 | ▼ down 1402 |
| 1985 | #5850 | 6 | ▼ down 1963 · -40% births |
| 1980 | #3887 | 10 | ▲ up 496 · +43% births |
| 1975 | #4383 | 7 | ▼ down 1949 · -53% births |
| 1970 | #2434 | 15 | ▼ down 412 · -6% births |
| 1965 | #2022 | 16 | ▲ up 330 · +23% births |
| 1960 | #2352 | 13 | ▼ down 180 · -7% births |
| 1955 | #2172 | 14 | ▲ up 687 · +75% births |
| 1950 | #2859 | 8 | ▼ down 682 · -27% births |
| 1945 | #2177 | 11 | ▼ down 400 · -31% births |
| 1940 | #1777 | 16 | ▼ down 207 · -20% births |
| 1935 | #1570 | 20 | — |
The story of Purvis
Purvis has been a beloved American name for over 124 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1900. With 968 total births recorded, Purvis remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1497 in 1900, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1788 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Purvis in 1905:
Purvis by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 12 | |
| 1910s | 108 | |
| 1920s ★ | 184 | |
| 1930s | 151 | |
| 1940s | 144 | |
| 1950s | 111 | |
| 1960s | 115 | |
| 1970s | 75 | |
| 1980s | 42 | |
| 1990s | 26 | |
💎Purvis has only 968 total recorded births since 1900 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Purvis?
What names sound and feel like Purvis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Purvis also consider these
Common questions about the name Purvis
What does the name Purvis mean?
Purvis means "the person from Pierrefonds" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Purvis?
Purvis is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Purvis?
Purvis originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Purvis?
Purvis is a two-syllable name pronounced P ER1 V IH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Purvis a common or rare name?
Purvis is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.