Per

“rock”

Norway origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#13551US 2020

5Births / yr

↓Falling

360All-time births

📅 Since 192300

How to pronounce Per

PER

/ˈpɝ/ · stress on PER · 1 syllable

“rock”

Norway origin · Boy name

What does Per mean and where does it come from?

Per is a traditional name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse word 'perr', meaning 'rock' or 'stone'. It is a popular name in Norway and Sweden and has historical significance in Norse culture, representing stability and strength. The name has been in use since at least the Middle Age

Cultural significance

Per has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Norway-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rock.

Peak popularity

Reached #2278 in 1964 — currently #13551 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Per?

Per works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Per Grace

How popular is Per right now?

Falling — down 4744 spots — currently #13551 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1965–2020#13551 · Top 10.0%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

2020

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2020	#12113	5	▼ down 4744 · -17% births
1990	#7369	6	▼ down 561 · +20% births
1985	#6808	5	▼ down 2171 · -37% births
1980	#4637	8	▲ up 1109 · +60% births
1975	#5746	5	▼ down 2056 · -37% births
1970	#3690	8	▼ down 526
1965	#3164	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Per

Best Year1965Rank #3164

Peak Count8

Average Rank#6218

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1965 - 20207 years

The story of Per

Per entered American naming records in 1923 and has been in use for over 101 years. With 360 total births recorded, Per remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3164 in 1965, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12113 in 2020.

Names that peaked alongside Per in 1964:

Michael John David James Robert

Per by decade

Per peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1920s	6
1930s	5
1950s	46
1960s ★	102
1970s	74
1980s	61
1990s	30
2000s	26
2010s	5
2020s	5

💎Per has only 360 total recorded births since 1923 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Per?

BRETON

PerigPierrick

SWEDISH

Pelle

BULGARIAN

PenkaPetiaPetya

CROATIAN

Petra

What names sound and feel like Per?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Per also consider these

Perl

English · pearl

Pet

English · Rock, stone

Czech Republic · Rock

Ker

English · from the marsh

Ger

Germanic · Spear

Jer

American · A diminutive form

How is Per written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Per

What does the name Per mean?

Per means "rock" — a name rooted in Norway 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 Per?

Per is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Per?

Per originates from Norway tradition. Norway 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 Per?

Per is a one-syllable name pronounced P ER1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Per sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Per flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Per ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.