What does Perley mean and where does it come from?
Perley is a name that originated as a surname derived from geographical locations in England. It often connotes a connection to nature, particularly pear trees and fruitful fields. While it is more commonly recognized as a surname, its use as a first name has become more popular, especially in moder
Cultural significance
Perley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of field near the pear trees.
Peak popularity
Reached #1374 in 1890 — currently #1487 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Perley?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Perley?
Perley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Perley Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Perley Rose
Floral · soft ending
Perley Mae
Sweet · timeless
Perley Claire
French influence · crisp
Perley Jane
Literary · strong
Perley Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Perley right now?
Holding steady — currently #1487 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1487 | 713 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1492 | 693 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1497 | 663 | ▲ up 3101 · +13160% births |
| 1945 | #4598 | 5 | ▼ down 3224 |
| 1890 | #1374 | 5 | — |
The story of Perley
Perley has been a beloved American name for over 134 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1890. With 1,052 total births recorded, Perley remains relatively uncommon. Perley is used for both genders: 3% female and 97% male.
Names that peaked alongside Perley in 1890:
Perley by decade
Perley peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 118 | |
| 1890s | 93 | |
| 1900s | 58 | |
| 1910s | 179 | |
| 1920s ★ | 225 | |
| 1930s | 186 | |
| 1940s | 117 | |
| 1950s | 62 | |
| 1960s | 14 | |
💎With 1,052 total births, Perley is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Perley?
What names sound and feel like Perley?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Perley also consider these
Common questions about the name Perley
What does the name Perley mean?
Perley means "field near the pear trees" — a name rooted in English 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 Perley?
Perley is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Perley?
Perley originates from English tradition. English 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 Perley?
Perley is a two-syllable name pronounced P ER1 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Perley a common or rare name?
Perley is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.