Recorded in many spellings including Purdon, Proudholm, Purdholm, Prodham, and Prudom, this is an ancient Anglo-Scottish surname, although strictly speaking the origination is Norman French. It is or rather was a nickname, from the phrase 'Prudhomme' meaning literally 'proud man' introduced into Britsain after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when French became the official language of both England and Scotland for three centuries. This type of nickname surname was created either because the nameholder made habitual use of a particular phrase, or because he and sometimes she, in some way resembled the surname. The first recording in any form was that of Willelmus Prodomme of Scotland. He was listed as being a merchant, when he was granted safe conduct into England in 1373. Other later recordings showing tthe surname development over the centuries include: John de Purdome who held lands in the city of Glasgow in 1476, whilst James Purdone ran into trouble and was sued for unlawfully occupying lands in Middlebie, Dumfriesshire, in 1478. Despite his problems this may have been the nameholder who developed the hamlet of Purdomston in the same parish. Another interesting recording was that of Andrew Purdon who was a burgess freeman of Glasgow in the year 1609. This was a double edged honour, as it required the nameholder to be prepared to serve with the local militia if required. Failure to do meant loss of the freemanship, and full payment of all rates and taxes.

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