Purfield Family History

Denoting someone who lived near a field or enclosure where pear-trees grew, the term originates from Middle English per(e) + feld, or it may derive from a minor place so named.

Historical records show various instances of the name, such as Pernell Purfeld in 1350, noted in the Patent Rolls; and Philip Pirfield, a citizen and grocer of London in 1406, also found in the Patent Rolls.

Other examples include Susan Purfield, recorded in 1618 in the Parish Registers of Lenham, Kent; Edward Purfield in 1653, cited in the IGI from Hackney, Middx; and John Purfeild in 1692, documented in the IGI from Icklesham, Sussex.

Additionally, there is Hannah Perfield, mentioned around 1719 in the Parish Registers of Bridlington, ER Yorks; and Richard Porfeild, recorded in 1730 in the Parish Registers from Much Wenlock, Shrops.