What does Perlene mean and where does it come from?
The name Perlene is derived from the word 'pearl', which is linked to beauty and purity. It gained popularity in the United States in the 20th century and has a charming, vintage feel. The spelling might also refer to 'Pearl' in a more embellished form. Notable people with variations of the name inc
Cultural significance
Perlene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a gem that is pearly, referring to a pearl..
Peak popularity
Reached #3894 in 1923 — currently #533 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Perlene?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Perlene?
Perlene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Perlene Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Perlene Rose
Floral · soft ending
Perlene Mae
Sweet · timeless
Perlene Claire
French influence · crisp
Perlene Jane
Literary · strong
Perlene Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Perlene right now?
Holding steady — currently #533 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #533 | 1,667 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #538 | 1,647 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #543 | 1,617 | ▲ up 4042 · +32240% births |
| 1935 | #4585 | 5 | ▲ up 372 |
| 1930 | #4957 | 5 | ▼ down 657 · -29% births |
| 1925 | #4300 | 7 | — |
The story of Perlene
Perlene entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 56 total births recorded, Perlene remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4300 in 1925 to #533 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Perlene in 1923:
Perlene by decade
Perlene peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 7 | |
| 1920s ★ | 34 | |
| 1930s | 10 | |
| 1940s | 5 | |
💎Perlene has only 56 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Perlene?
What names sound and feel like Perlene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Perlene also consider these
Common questions about the name Perlene
What does the name Perlene mean?
Perlene means "A gem that is pearly, referring to a pearl." — 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 Perlene?
Perlene is currently ranked #533 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Perlene?
Perlene 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 Perlene?
Perlene is a two-syllable name pronounced P ER1 L IY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What are good nicknames for Perlene?
Perlene naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.