Origin & Meaning of the Purnell Surname
What does the last name Purnell mean?
The surname Purnell carries the meaning "Surname with roots in African American heritage." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 8,441 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Purnell ranks as the #4,197 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Purnell come from?
The Purnell surname has its roots in African American heritage. Names of African American origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Purnell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Purnell trace back to English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Purnell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Surname with roots in African American heritage |
| Origin | African American |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,197 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,441 |
| Per 100K People | 2.86 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Purnell
According to the US Census, the Purnell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,441 Americans with the Purnell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 31.94% |
| Black | 62.22% |
| Hispanic | 1.85% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.56% |
| Native American | 0.33% |
| Two or More Races | 3.1% |
Popularity of Purnell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Purnell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Purnell surname increased by 716 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other African American Surnames
Explore more surnames with African American roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same African American origin as Purnell.
Frequently Asked Questions About Purnell
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