Surname Purdue - Meaning and Origin
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Purdue: What does the surname Purdue mean?
The surname Purdue is of French origin and is derived from the old French term "perdu" which means "lost". It was most likely a nickname given to someone who was a recluse or hermit. The term "perdu" was often used to describe certain types of military outpost which were isolated or difficult to find, suggesting that the surname could also have been given to a person living in such location. It was quite common in the Middle Ages to attribute names based on a person's location, occupation or characteristics. The name Purdue might have also been used to describe someone who was often lost or confused. Moreover, the name could be linked to individuals who had migrated and 'lost' their former home. Over the centuries, the surname has been found in many records in different forms like Perdue, Perdew, Purdue, Purdew, among others. Please note that the meaning of a surname can be influenced by transliteration between languages and regional dialects.
Order DNA origin analysisPurdue: Where does the name Purdue come from?
The last name Purdue is most common in France today. The French version of the name, "Pourdoux", is an occupational name meaning 'plumber'. The name has a long and illustrious history in the area, being derived from a noble family recorded in the Duchy of Lorraine in the 12th century. The earliest recorded reference dates from 1219, and it is likely that Purdue had been an established family name in the region for many generations prior to this.
The Purdue family moved to Paris shortly before the French Revolution in 1789, and the family has since spread to many other parts of the country. As a result, there are now many records of the Purdue name in France, as well as in neighbouring countries such as Switzerland, Italy and Belgium.
Further afield, the name is also of some popularity in the United States of America. In the 19th century it is known that some of the family emigrated to the country and it is likely that some of their descendants still live there today. Additionally, many immigrants who have adopted the name since then have settled in the US. It is likely that most of the Purdue families living in the US have either French or Belgian roots and that their ancestors can trace their line back to the Duchy of Lorraine.
In total, there are thought to be many thousands of people carrying the Purdue name living around the world today. Despite the centuries which have passed since the name first appeared in France, it continues to be a popular surname in many countries and will surely remain so in the future.
Variations of the surname Purdue
The Purdue surname is one with an unknown origin that can be found across the world. In the United States and England, the name has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. This includes spellings Purdie, Purdy, Purdi, Purdeh, and Purdey.
The surname first appeared in Scotland as "Purdie" in the mid-14th Century. It was derived from a Latin word "pro-durus" which means "hardy", and was used to describe someone who was strong and had great endurance.
In England, the name is most commonly spelled "Purdy". This spelling is believed to have been derived from an old English word "pyri" meaning "fortification" or "protection". This is likely why the name has been adopted by so many military families.
In the United States, the spelling changed when the family began to migrate to the New World. Here, the name is most often spelled "Purdue". The most common surname variant found in the United States is "Purdull", which is derived from the Norman-French word "purgueyl", meaning "swift".
The surname "Purdew" is another variant, which has its roots in the Welsh language. The name likely comes from the Welsh word "pur-dw" meaning "excited" or "active". It is used to refer to someone who is quick and lively in action.
Overall, the surname Purdue has a long history and several spellings around the world. Each spelling has its own unique origin that can be traced back to different countries and cultures. Regardless of the spelling, all variants of the surname share an enduring strength, dignity, and courage.
Famous people with the name Purdue
- Eric Purude: former NFL player who played safety for the Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, and Miami Dolphins.
- Edith Purdue: actress in the England TV soap "Brookside".
- Lou Purude: actor, known for the film "Girl in the Park" and TV series "Life on Mars".
- Emily Purdue: Broadway actress and singer.
- James Purdue: British stage and television actor, best known for his role in the BBC's sci-fi drama series "Space: 1999".
- Benjamin Purdue: influential Quaker leader and founder of the colonial settlement Purdue’s Hope in North Carolina in 1737.
- Charles Purdue: CEO of the gaming software company Big Fish Games.
- Pavel Purude: professional dancer and member of the New York City Opera Ballet.
- Doug Purude: American rock vocalist and Grammy-nominated frontman for the band The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die.
- Richard Purude: prominent American organist and composer, most well-known for his compositions for organ and choral works.