Skip to main content

Updated June 9, 2019

Family name origins & meanings

  • English : from Anglo-Norman French pur die ‘by God’ (Old French p(o)ur Dieu), a nickname for someone who made frequent use of the oath. The surname was taken to northeastern Ireland during the 17th century, and is now to be found chiefly in northern Ireland and eastern and northern England.

Join the Family

Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning.

Subscribe