The Purnell Family Crest print on museum quality paper. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.
Eminently suited for a proper brew! Whether it’s a gift to mark a milestone birthday, a new home, or Christmas morning — here’s an artwork with history in your hands.
☘️ Standard sizes — easy to frame yourself to make a truly thoughtful gift ☘️
The origin of the name Purnell
Derived as a diminutive of “Peter,” the name Purnell originates from the Old French variants Pernel or Peronel. Following the Norman influence across England, these French name forms were assimilated and transformed into English surnames. The evolution from Pernel through Purnel to Purnell highlights the linguistic development over time.
The name embodies the meaning linked to Peter, derived from the Greek Petros, signifying “rock” or “stone,” symbolizing strength and stability.
The Purnell coat of arms features three white flowers known as Cinquefoils set on a blue band called a fess. The Cinquefoils stand for hope, joy, and honour, while the blue fess represents a belt or girdle of honour, traditionally associated with military service. Additionally, the three blue diamonds symbolize honesty, constancy, and noble service.
Artist’s note: I quite liked the classic balance of the elements of this coat of arms. When I looked it up I found that 18th century physical stone carvings of this shield survive on wall tablets and ledger monuments inside Gloucestershire parish churches, including St. James’s Church in Dursley and St. Mary’s Church in Wickwar.
Geographic roots
The Purnell surname became prominent in southern England, especially in counties such as Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. From these regions, it expanded throughout Britain and subsequently to Ireland and other English-speaking countries via migration and settlement.
Product details
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mil)
• Paper weight: 189 g/m²
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order
This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.
About the artist
Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family occasions.
Don’t see your family name?
I’m always happy to add new crests and products to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️
