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.
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Related Reading
Norway-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Per Rose
Floral · soft ending
Per Claire
French influence · crisp
Per Jane
Literary · strong
Per Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Per right now?
Falling — down 4744 spots — currently #13551 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Per by decade
| 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?
What names sound and feel like Per?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Per also consider these
How is Per written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Per?
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.