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Perry Unisex

Popularity: #764 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationPEH-ree / /ˈpɛri/

English; French

Meaning

English: dweller by the pear tree; French: rock

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Perry has its roots in the Old French word "perrie," which means "pear tree." This term itself is derived from the Latin "pirus," which also signifies a pear tree. The transition into English occurred during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many Old French names and terms were adopted into the English language. As a result, Perry emerged as a surname in England, often denoting someone who lived near a pear tree or an orchard, and it gradually evolved into a given name by the late Middle Ages.

Historically, the name Perry has been borne by notable figures, including Perry of the 12th century, who was a prominent cleric and landowner. The name also appears in various historical documents and records throughout the centuries, reflecting its use among the English nobility and common folk alike. In the 19th century, the name gained further recognition through figures such as Commodore Matthew Perry, who played a significant role in opening Japan to the West in the 1850s. His actions had lasting implications for international relations and trade, thereby embedding the name Perry in a broader historical context.

Culturally, the name Perry has been associated with notions of fruitfulness and abundance, stemming from its literal meaning related to the pear tree. Pears have historically symbolized prosperity and nourishment in various cultures, which may have contributed to the name's endurance over the centuries. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Perry" can evoke a sense of familiarity and affection, further enhancing its appeal in personal contexts. Overall, Perry reflects a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution, historical significance, and cultural resonance.

Trend Summary

Perry has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable decline in usage since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Perry
  • Perrie

International Variants

  • Perrin (French)
  • Pere (Catalan)
  • Peregrine (Latin)

Famous people named Perry

Perry Como is a singer and television personality best known for It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, Catch a Falling Star, and the Perry Como Show.

Perry Mason is a fictional character created by Erle Stanley Gardner, best known as the titular defense attorney in the Perry Mason series of novels and television adaptations.

Perry Farrell is a musician best known as the lead singer of Jane's Addiction and for founding the Lollapalooza festival.

Perry Ellis is a fashion designer best known for his contributions to American sportswear and the Perry Ellis brand.

Fictional characters named Perry

Perry the Platypus is a fictional character from the animated television series Phineas and Ferb. He is a secret agent who works for an all-animal espionage organization while posing as the pet of the show's main characters.

Perry White is a fictional character from the DC Comics universe, particularly associated with Superman. He is the editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet and plays a crucial role in supporting Clark Kent's journalistic endeavors.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Perry was first seen in the United States in 1880. Perry has ranked as high as #280 nationally, which occurred in 1959, and has been most popular in California, New York, North Carolina, Illinois, and Georgia. In the past 5 years the name Perry has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Perry (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 18
19%
CA 14
15%
FL 10
11%
GA 10
11%
NC 8
9%
OH 7
7%
NY 6
6%
PA 6
6%
IL 5
5%
IN 5
5%
VA 5
5%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880134
1881123
1882133
1883133
1884135
1885115
1886141
1887112
1888124
1889105
1890108
1891104
1892110
189391
189478
189597
1896111
1897103
189883
1899104
1900142
190187
1902108
190388
190493
1905104
190697
190786
1908133
1909109
1910125
1911152
1912216
1913280
1914338
1915478
1916439
1917527
1918553
1919528
1920542
1921565
1922615
1923588
1924602
1925568
1926565
1927584
1928633
1929576
1930581
1931543
1932528
1933486
1934545
1935517
1936504
1937544
1938579
1939584
1940553
1941593
1942706
1943690
1944605
1945683
1946856
19471,053
1948981
19491,058
19501,096
19511,176
19521,153
19531,227
19541,254
19551,451
19561,867
19572,369
19582,735
19592,750
19602,416
19612,228
19621,931
19631,712
19641,549
19651,363
19661,122
19671,014
1968891
1969895
1970845
1971732
1972542
1973506
1974528
1975488
1976460
1977380
1978416
1979457
1980443
1981472
1982426
1983445
1984421
1985521
1986474
1987483
1988456
1989463
1990473
1991428
1992387
1993409
1994370
1995342
1996316
1997319
1998296
1999262
2000263
2001245
2002231
2003216
2004226
2005193
2006195
2007183
2008166
2009163
2010131
2011149
2012144
2013139
2014151
2015140
2016122
2017147
2018135
2019132
2020146
2021145
2022137
2023136
2024160