Pericles Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: PEH-rih-kleez //ˈpɛrɪˌkliz//
Origin: Greek
Meaning: far-famed; glory
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Pericles originates from the ancient Greek name Περικλῆς (Periklēs), which is derived from the elements "peri" meaning "around" or "surrounding" and "kleos" meaning "glory" or "fame." This etymology reflects the cultural values of ancient Greece, where the pursuit of glory was a significant aspect of personal and civic identity. The name was notably borne by the prominent Athenian statesman Pericles (c.
495–429 BCE), who played a crucial role in the development of Athenian democracy and the expansion of the Athenian empire during the Golden Age of Athens. His leadership during the Peloponnesian War and his patronage of the arts, including the construction of the Parthenon, solidified his legacy in both history and culture.
Historically, Pericles is often associated with the philosophical and artistic advancements of the 5th century BCE, a period marked by significant achievements in literature, drama, and architecture. The statesman's influence is documented in various historical texts, including the works of Thucydides, who chronicled the Peloponnesian War, and Plutarch, who provided biographical accounts of notable figures in his "Parallel Lives." The name Pericles, therefore, carries with it the weight of political and cultural significance, encapsulating the ideals of leadership and civic responsibility that were paramount in ancient Greek society.
Culturally, the name has resonated through the ages, often symbolizing wisdom, oratory skill, and the ideals of democracy. It has been referenced in various literary and artistic works, reinforcing its association with greatness and civic virtue.
The diminutive form "Peri" has also emerged in some contexts, reflecting a more personal or affectionate usage of the name. Overall, Pericles remains a name steeped in historical significance, embodying the values and achievements of one of history's most celebrated civilizations.
Famous people named Pericles
In this section, you will find notable people named Pericles. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Pericles who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Pericles who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Pericles is a statesman and general best known for leading Athens during its Golden Age, promoting democracy, and commissioning the Parthenon.
Fictional characters named Pericles
The following list of fictional characters named Pericles is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Pericles is a fictional character from the play Pericles, Prince of Tyre by William Shakespeare. He is the protagonist who embarks on a journey filled with adventure, loss, and eventual reunion with his family.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Pericles, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Pericles. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Pericles was first seen in the United States in 1921.
Pericles has ranked as high as #1107 nationally, which occurred in 1965, and has been most popular in .
In the past 5 years the name Pericles has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Pericles is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Pericles was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Pericles
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
No state data available for this year.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Pericles.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2001 | 5 |
| 1997 | 6 |
| 1988 | 5 |
| 1976 | 7 |
| 1973 | 6 |
| 1972 | 6 |
| 1965 | 8 |
| 1963 | 5 |
| 1927 | 5 |
| 1923 | 6 |
| 1922 | 5 |
| 1921 | 5 |