Find out how popular the last name Purkerson is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Purkerson.

Purkerson, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Purkerson surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Purkerson in America

Purkerson is the 141788th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Purkerson surname appeared 108 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Purkerson.

The history of the last name Purkerson

The surname Purkerson is believed to have originated in England, with its initial recordings appearing in the early medieval period around the 12th or 13th centuries. The areas in which the name was prevalent include parts of rural England, particularly in counties such as Yorkshire and Lancashire. The name likely derives from an occupational or locational origin, with old English roots in agricultural or forestry terminologies.

Purkerson may be a variation of similar surnames like Purkiss or Purkess, which themselves have ties to the old English word "purchas," meaning a small plot of land or a thicket. These variations suggest a connection to someone who lived by or owned a small area of land or forest. The suffix "son" indicates "son of," a common naming convention in medieval England, given to indicate lineage.

Historical references to the name can be found in various local records and manuscripts from the 14th and 15th centuries. One of the earliest known mentions of a Purkerson appears in a land deed from 1324, which records a transaction of farmland in Lancashire. By the 16th century, the name appeared sporadically in parish registers, particularly in Yorkshire, suggesting that the family maintained a rural lifestyle, often linked to agriculture.

One notable early bearer of the surname is Thomas Purkerson, born in 1536 in Yorkshire, who was recorded as a landowner and farmer. Subsequent generations spread to other parts of England and eventually to the American colonies. Another individual, William Purkerson, born in 1582, was noted for his involvement in local governance in Lancashire and was part of several municipal decisions recorded in town records from the early 1600s.

In 1635, John Purkerson emigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony, making his mark in the New England historical records. His descendants played significant roles in the development of early American colonial society. Abigail Purkerson, born in 1661, was among the early settlers of what is now Connecticut, with detailed genealogical records noting her contributions to the community.

By the 18th century, the surname had further diversified. James Purkerson, born in 1714, became a prominent figure in the state of Virginia, noted in records as a plantation owner and involved in early American politics. His family's records are well-documented in colonial archives, detailing their contributions to the economic and social fabric of the time.

Another individual, Sarah Purkerson, born in 1789 in Pennsylvania, gained some renown for her pioneering advocacy for women's education. Her efforts are chronicled in letters and diaries, providing invaluable insights into the period's socio-cultural dynamics.

The surname Purkerson, with its origins rooted in medieval England, reflects a storied history that spans centuries and continents. The individuals bearing this surname have contributed to various facets of society, leaving behind a rich legacy documented in historical records.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Purkerson

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Purkerson.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Purkerson was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Purkerson was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Purkerson, please contact us.

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