Purves

The surname Purves is of occupational origin, derived from the Old French word 'pourveoir' meaning 'to provide' or 'to purvey'. It would have been given to someone who was a purveyor of provisions, often for a large household, monastery, or even a town. The 's' at the end is a common genitive suffix in English surnames, indicating 'son of' or 'of the family of'.

The name first appeared in Scotland, particularly in the Scottish Borders region, suggesting that individuals bearing this name played a significant role in provisioning local communities or estates. Over time, as with many occupational surnames, it became a hereditary family name, passed down through generations regardless of the individual's profession.