Origin & Meaning of the Purser Surname
What does the last name Purser mean?
The surname Purser carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,545 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Purser ranks as the #9,199 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Purser come from?
The Purser surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Purser name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Purser trace back to Old 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 | Purser |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,199 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,545 |
| Per 100K People | 1.2 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Purser
According to the US Census, the Purser surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,545 Americans with the Purser last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.62% |
| Black | 0.99% |
| Hispanic | 3.05% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.39% |
| Native American | 2.51% |
| Two or More Races | 1.44% |
Popularity of Purser Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Purser surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Purser surname increased by 155 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Purser Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Purser ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Purser Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Purser
- ✓ The Purser coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Purser families live today
- ✓ Notable Purser bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Purser
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Purser.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Purser.
Frequently Asked Questions About Purser
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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