This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Purness family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Purness Family History

Purness 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: Furness, Urness, Burness, Parness, Burgess, Harness, Garness, Curless

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Purness family from?

You can see how Purness families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Purness family name was found in the USA, and Scotland between 1861 and 1920. The most Purness families were found in USA in 1880. In 1861 there was 1 Purness family living in Selkirkshire. This was 100% of all the recorded Purness's in Scotland. Selkirkshire had the highest population of Purness families in 1861.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Purness surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What Purness family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 97 census records available for the last name Purness. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Purness census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Purness

Passenger Lists

There are 12 immigration records available for the last name Purness. 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.

View all Purness immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 10 military records available for the last name Purness. For the veterans among your Purness ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Purness military records

You've only scratched the surface of Purness family history

Discover More

What is the average Purness lifespan?

Between 1967 and 1974, in the United States, Purness life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1974, and highest in 1967. The average life expectancy for Purness in 1967 was 84, and 66 in 1974.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Purness

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Purness 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 Purness family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial