What does Perline mean and where does it come from?
The name Perline is derived from the French word 'perle', meaning 'pearl'. It is a diminutive form that suggests something precious and elegant. It has been primarily used in France and can occasionally be found in Italian contexts as well. The name is quite rare and has seen various spellings over
Cultural significance
Perline has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a small pearl.
Peak popularity
Reached #2264 in 1914 — currently #1808 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Perline?
Perline works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Perline Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Perline Rose
Floral · soft ending
Perline Mae
Sweet · timeless
Perline Claire
French influence · crisp
Perline Jane
Literary · strong
Perline Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Perline right now?
Holding steady — currently #1808 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1808 | 392 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1813 | 372 | ▲ up 5 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #1818 | 342 | ▲ up 2422 · +5600% births |
| 1945 | #4240 | 6 | ▼ down 1131 · -33% births |
| 1940 | #3109 | 9 | ▲ up 211 · +13% births |
| 1935 | #3320 | 8 | ▲ up 227 |
| 1930 | #3547 | 8 | ▲ up 18 · -11% births |
| 1925 | #3565 | 9 | ▼ down 698 · -25% births |
| 1920 | #2867 | 12 | ▲ up 1226 · +100% births |
| 1915 | #4093 | 6 | — |
The story of Perline
Perline entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 216 total births recorded, Perline remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4093 in 1915 to #1808 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Perline in 1914:
Perline by decade
Perline peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 57 | |
| 1920s ★ | 79 | |
| 1930s | 58 | |
| 1940s | 22 | |
💎Perline has only 216 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Perline?
What names sound and feel like Perline?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Perline also consider these
Common questions about the name Perline
What does the name Perline mean?
Perline means "a small pearl" — a name rooted in France 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 Perline?
Perline is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Perline?
Perline originates from France tradition. France 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 Perline?
Perline is a two-syllable name pronounced P ER1 L AY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Perline a common or rare name?
Perline is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.