What does Perkins mean and where does it come from?
Perkins originates from the surname which was derived from the given name Peter. As a first name, Perkins reflects familial lineage, often used in English-speaking countries. It has historical roots in England, where surnames transformed into first names became popular. While Perkins may not be as f
Cultural significance
Perkins has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of peter, meaning 'rock'..
Peak popularity
Reached #2977 in 1921 — currently #839 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Perkins?
Perkins works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Perkins Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Perkins Rose
Floral · soft ending
Perkins Mae
Sweet · timeless
Perkins Claire
French influence · crisp
Perkins Jane
Literary · strong
Perkins Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Perkins right now?
Holding steady — currently #839 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #839 | 1,361 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #844 | 1,341 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #849 | 1,311 | ▲ up 9668 · +26120% births |
| 2000 | #10517 | 5 | ▼ down 6610 · -17% births |
| 1930 | #3907 | 6 | ▲ up 706 · +20% births |
| 1925 | #4613 | 5 | ▲ up 109 |
| 1920 | #4722 | 5 | — |
The story of Perkins
Perkins entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 79 total births recorded, Perkins remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4722 in 1920 to #839 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Perkins in 1921:
Perkins by decade
Perkins peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 8 | |
| 1920s ★ | 38 | |
| 1930s | 6 | |
| 1940s | 17 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 2000s | 5 | |
💎Perkins has only 79 total recorded births since 1917 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Perkins?
What names sound and feel like Perkins?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Perkins also consider these
Common questions about the name Perkins
What does the name Perkins mean?
Perkins means "Son of Peter, meaning 'rock'." — a name rooted in American 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 Perkins?
Perkins is currently ranked #839 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 Perkins?
Perkins originates from American tradition. American 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 Perkins?
Perkins is a two-syllable name pronounced P ER1 K AH0 N Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Perkins a common or rare name?
Perkins is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.