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Purless Family History

Purless Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Curless, Hurless, Burgess, Furness, Urness, Harless, Pless, Press

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Purless family from?

You can see how Purless families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Purless family name was found in the UK in 1891. In 1891 there were 8 Purless families living in London. This was about 38% of all the recorded Purless's in United Kingdom. London had the highest population of Purless families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Purless surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

What Purless family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 158 census records available for the last name Purless. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Purless census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Purless

Passenger Lists

There are 9 immigration records available for the last name Purless. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

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Draft Cards

There are 2 military records available for the last name Purless. For the veterans among your Purless ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

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You've only scratched the surface of Purless family history

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What is the average Purless lifespan?

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Purless ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Purless family tree

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