What does Pearse mean and where does it come from?
Pearse is an Irish name, derived from the Gaelic name 'Piaras', which is the equivalent of the name Peter. The name has historical significance in Ireland, especially due to notable figures like Patrick Pearse, an educator and revolutionary leader during the 1916 Easter Rising. It has roots in both
Cultural significance
Pearse has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rock.
Peak popularity
Reached #4974 in 1999 — currently #11891 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Pearse?
Pearse works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Pearse Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Pearse Rose
Floral · soft ending
Pearse Mae
Sweet · timeless
Pearse Claire
French influence · crisp
Pearse Jane
Literary · strong
Pearse Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Pearse right now?
Rising fast — up 1685 spots — currently #11891 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #11891 | 6 | ▲ up 1685 · +20% births |
| 2021 | #13576 | 5 | ▼ down 1012 |
| 2020 | #12564 | 5 | ▼ down 3461 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #9103 | 8 | ▲ up 85 |
| 2010 | #9188 | 8 | ▼ down 1802 · -20% births |
| 2005 | #7386 | 10 | ▲ up 493 · +25% births |
| 2000 | #7879 | 8 | ▼ down 336 · +14% births |
| 1995 | #7543 | 7 | — |
The story of Pearse
Pearse is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1988. With 193 total births recorded, Pearse remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #7543 in 1995, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11891 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Pearse in 1999:
Pearse by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 6 | |
| 1990s | 47 | |
| 2000s | 67 | |
| 2010s ★ | 68 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Pearse has only 193 total recorded births since 1988 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Pearse?
What names sound and feel like Pearse?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pearse also consider these
Common questions about the name Pearse
What does the name Pearse mean?
Pearse means "Rock" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Pearse?
Pearse is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Pearse have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Pearse?
Pearse originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Pearse?
Pearse is a one-syllable name pronounced P ER1 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Pearse sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Pearse flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Pearse ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.