What does Perlie mean and where does it come from?
Perlie is a diminutive form derived from the name Pearl, which symbolizes purity and beauty. It gained some popularity as a standalone name in the early 20th century in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. Its first recorded use as Perlie dates back to the 1920s. Well-known
Cultural significance
Perlie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pearl.
Peak popularity
Reached #1202 in 1896 — currently #1804 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Perlie?
Perlie works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Perlie Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Perlie Rose
Floral · soft ending
Perlie Mae
Sweet · timeless
Perlie Claire
French influence · crisp
Perlie Jane
Literary · strong
Perlie Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Perlie right now?
Holding steady — currently #1804 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1804 | 396 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1809 | 376 | ▲ up 5 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #1814 | 346 | ▲ up 3020 · +4225% births |
| 1960 | #4834 | 8 | ▲ up 564 · +60% births |
| 1950 | #5398 | 5 | ▼ down 1666 · -29% births |
| 1945 | #3732 | 7 | ▼ down 155 |
| 1940 | #3577 | 7 | ▼ down 84 |
| 1935 | #3493 | 7 | ▼ down 588 · -30% births |
| 1930 | #2905 | 10 | ▼ down 755 · -44% births |
| 1925 | #2150 | 18 | ▼ down 31 |
| 1920 | #2119 | 18 | ▲ up 1752 · +200% births |
| 1915 | #3871 | 6 | ▼ down 2559 · -54% births |
| 1910 | #1312 | 13 | ▲ up 310 · +86% births |
| 1905 | #1622 | 7 | ▼ down 221 · -22% births |
| 1900 | #1401 | 9 | — |
The story of Perlie
Perlie has been a beloved American name for over 135 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1889. With 638 total births recorded, Perlie remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1401 in 1900, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1804 in 2023. Perlie is used for both genders: 89% female and 11% male.
Names that peaked alongside Perlie in 1896:
Perlie by decade
Perlie peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 34 | |
| 1900s | 48 | |
| 1910s | 123 | |
| 1920s ★ | 210 | |
| 1930s | 122 | |
| 1940s | 78 | |
| 1950s | 10 | |
| 1960s | 8 | |
💎Perlie has only 638 total recorded births since 1889 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Perlie?
What names sound and feel like Perlie?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Perlie also consider these
How is Perlie written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Perlie
What does the name Perlie mean?
Perlie means "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 Perlie?
Perlie 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 Perlie?
Perlie 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 Perlie?
Perlie is a two-syllable name pronounced P ER1 L AY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Perlie a common or rare name?
Perlie is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.