Purkey

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Purkey is a surname that comes the word "Perahgoz," meaning "bear-Goth."^[1] The name Purkey originated in Kent; Purkeys were granted land there by Duke William of Normandy after their distinguished service in the 1066 Battle of Hastings.^[1] Variants of the name Purkey include Purchase, Purchas, Purchass, Purches, Purchis, Purkiss, Purkess, Purkis, Purkeys, Purkys, and Purkes.^[1]

Purkeys settled in the United States beginning in the 1630s,^[1] if not earlier. Today, the name is uncommon, appearing most frequently in the northern-central United States.^{[citation needed]}

Perhaps the most famous Purkey is William Purkey, who is known for saying, "Dance like no one is watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like no one is listening, Live like it's heaven on earth."