Purcell is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname Ó Puirséil, which is believed to have been first recorded in the early 13th century. The surname Purcell is thought to have originated in County Mayo, in the west of Ireland.
The meaning of Purcell is "saor" or "free," a reference to someone who was not under the control of any lord or chief. This name may also have been given to someone who lived near a fort or stronghold, as "pur" means "fort" in Irish Gaelic.
The Purcell family played an important role in Irish history and culture. They were known for their musical abilities, with many members becoming renowned composers and musicians throughout the centuries. One of the most famous members of the Purcell family was Henry Purcell, a composer of the Baroque period who is considered one of the greatest English composers.
While Purcell may not be as common a given name today as it once was, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking to give their child a name with Irish heritage and musical significance. It is also a unisex name, although it has been more commonly used for boys in recent years. Overall, Purcell is a name that carries a rich history and cultural significance, making it an excellent choice for those interested in Irish heritage or the arts.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Purcell has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States. The highest number of births recorded with the name Purcell was 13, which occurred twice: once in 1955 and again in 1957. These years marked a peak in popularity for the name Purcell.
However, after these peaks, there seems to be a decline in its usage as a baby name. Between 1960 and 1982, the number of births with the name Purcell consistently remained below 10 each year, with many years showing only 5 or 6 births. This suggests that during this period, Purcell was not widely chosen as a baby name in the United States.
In more recent years, from 1984 to 1985, there were 7 births recorded for each of these years with the name Purcell. While this number is higher than those seen between 1960 and 1982, it still indicates that Purcell remains a relatively uncommon baby name in the United States.
In total, over the course of the years listed (from 1915 to 1985), there were 454 births recorded with the name Purcell in the United States. This information provides an overview of the historical popularity and usage of the name Purcell as a baby name in the country.