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 Purswell family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Purswell Family History

Purswell 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: Pursell, Purcell, Bursell, Carswell, Burwell, Kerswell, Buswell

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Purswell family from?

You can see how Purswell families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Purswell family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1841 and 1920. The most Purswell families were found in United Kingdom in 1891. In 1891 there were 19 Purswell families living in London. This was about 54% of all the recorded Purswell's in United Kingdom. London had the highest population of Purswell families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Purswell 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 did your Purswell ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Laborer was the top reported job for people in the USA named Purswell. 36% of Purswell men worked as a Laborer.

View Census Data for Purswell | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Laborer
    36%
  • Farmer
    30%
  • Roughneck
    12%
  • Officer
    12%

What Purswell family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 776 census records available for the last name Purswell. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Purswell census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Purswell

Passenger Lists

There are 28 immigration records available for the last name Purswell. 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 Purswell immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 283 military records available for the last name Purswell. For the veterans among your Purswell ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Purswell military records

You've only scratched the surface of Purswell family history

Discover More

What is the average Purswell lifespan?

Between 1963 and 2003, in the United States, Purswell life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1982, and highest in 2003. The average life expectancy for Purswell in 1963 was 82, and 90 in 2003.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Purswell

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

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