Peregrine Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: PER-uh-grin //ˈpɛrɪɡrɪn//
Origin: Latin; English
Meaning: traveler (Latin); wanderer (English)
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Peregrine has its roots in the Latin word "peregrinus," meaning "foreigner" or "traveler." This term evolved through various linguistic stages, entering Old French as "pelerin" before making its way into Middle English as "peregrin." The name was often associated with the idea of pilgrimage, particularly in the context of religious journeys, which contributed to its adoption in medieval Europe. The transition into English occurred around the 13th century, reflecting the cultural exchanges of the time, particularly during the Crusades, when the concept of pilgrimage gained prominence.
Historically, the name Peregrine has been borne by notable figures, including Peregrine Bertie, 13th Baron Willoughby de Eresby, who lived during the late 16th century and was a prominent figure in the English court. Additionally, the name is linked to the Peregrine Falcon, a bird known for its long migrations, further emphasizing the themes of travel and exploration associated with the name.
The name also appears in literary contexts, such as in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, where it reflects the medieval fascination with pilgrimage and the journey of life. Culturally, Peregrine has been embraced in various traditions, often symbolizing adventure, exploration, and the quest for knowledge.
The name's association with pilgrimage has endowed it with a spiritual significance, representing a journey not just in a physical sense but also in a metaphorical or spiritual context. The diminutive form "Perry" has also emerged in some contexts, though it is less commonly used.
Overall, the enduring nature of the name Peregrine can be attributed to its rich etymological background, historical significance, and the cultural resonance of its themes.
Fictional characters named Peregrine
The following list of fictional characters named Peregrine 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.
Peregrine Took is a fictional character from the book series The Lord of the Rings. He is a hobbit and a member of the Fellowship of the Ring, known for his bravery and loyalty.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Peregrine, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Peregrine was first seen in the United States in 1998.
Peregrine has ranked as high as #1325 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in Washington.
In the past 5 years the name Peregrine has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Peregrine 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 Peregrine was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Peregrine (2020)
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.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| WA | 6 |
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 Peregrine.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 35 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2021 | 22 |
| 2020 | 29 |
| 2019 | 15 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2007 | 8 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2004 | 6 |
| 2002 | 5 |
| 1998 | 5 |