Perry

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Perry

Gender Boy
Origin English
Letters 5
Syllables 2
Pronunciation PEH-ree

Perry, which has 5 letters and 2 syllables, is a male name of English origin.

Meaning of Perry

Rock

The name Perry is of English origin and means "dweller by the pear tree."

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Meaning Rock
Origin English
Gender Boy
Popularity (US) #957 in 2006 Declining
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era Classic 50s name

Background & History of The Name Perry

The name 'Perry' is a masculine given name with English origins. It is derived from the old English surname 'Pery', which itself originated from the Middle English word 'perrie', meaning 'pear tree'. The name 'Perry' can be traced back to the medieval period in England, where it was commonly used as a surname to identify individuals who lived near a pear tree or performed tasks related to pear trees. Over time, 'Perry' transitioned into a given name, often bestowed upon boys.

As a given name, 'Perry' gained popularity in the 19th century and continued to be favored throughout the 20th century. It was influenced by the trend of using surnames as first names and the desire for unique and distinctive names. Notable individuals with the name 'Perry' include Perry Como, an American singer and television personality, and Matthew Perry, the Canadian-American actor renowned for his role as Chandler Bing in the TV series 'Friends'.

The name 'Perry' has various variants and forms in different cultures. In Scottish and Irish Gaelic, it can be seen as 'Parry' or 'Pádraig'. In Welsh, it takes the form 'Ap Herry' or 'Ap Harry'. These variations reflect the diverse influences and linguistic adaptations the name has undergone over the centuries.

Currently, 'Perry' remains a moderately popular name for boys in English-speaking countries. It portrays a sense of strength and resilience, evoking the imagery of a sturdy pear tree. Whether used as a first name or a surname, 'Perry' embodies history, nature, and personal identity.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Perry over the years.

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