The name Purcell actually means pig or piglet. This is because it is derived from the name of a swineherd. It is derived from porcel which is derived from porcus which is Latin for pig. Families with this surname were first found in Surrey where they were settled from early times. In fact the Duke of Normandy granted them lands in gratitude for their heroic assistance in 1066 A.D at the Battle of Hastings.
There are several well known personalities with the surname Purcell. Daniel Purcell was the younger brother of Henry Purcell and a composer. Edward Mills Purcell is a Nobel prize winner and an outstanding physicist. Joe Purcell is a former Arkansas governor. John Purcell was a recipient of the Victoria Cross. Dominic Purcell is an Australian actor. Andrew Purcell is an American mathematician.
There are several well known personalities with the surname Purcell. Daniel Purcell was the younger brother of Henry Purcell and a composer. Edward Mills Purcell is a Nobel prize winner and an outstanding physicist. Joe Purcell is a former Arkansas governor. John Purcell was a recipient of the Victoria Cross. Dominic Purcell is an Australian actor. Andrew Purcell is an American mathematician.