What does Pierce mean and where does it come from?
Pierce is traditionally a male name of English origin, derived from the old French name 'Pierre', meaning 'rock' or 'stone'. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a female name, reflecting a trend towards gender-neutral names. It has been used in various cultural contexts and may symbolize st
Cultural significance
Pierce has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #5132 in 2020 — currently #546 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Pierce?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Pierce?
Pierce works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Pierce Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Pierce Rose
Floral · soft ending
Pierce Mae
Sweet · timeless
Pierce Claire
French influence · crisp
Pierce Jane
Literary · strong
Pierce Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Pierce right now?
Rising — up 25 spots — currently #546 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #546 | 537 | ▲ up 25 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #571 | 518 | ▼ down 69 · -11% births |
| 2021 | #502 | 585 | ▲ up 4630 · +2338% births |
| 2020 | #5132 | 24 | ▲ up 1096 · +20% births |
| 2015 | #6228 | 20 | ▲ up 3004 · +67% births |
| 2010 | #9232 | 12 | ▲ up 2619 · +50% births |
| 2005 | #11851 | 8 | ▼ down 2674 · -20% births |
| 2000 | #9177 | 10 | — |
The story of Pierce
Pierce is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1996. A total of 17,696 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9177 in 2000 to #546 in 2023. Pierce is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Pierce in 2020:
Pierce by decade
Pierce peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 133 | |
| 1890s | 127 | |
| 1900s | 133 | |
| 1910s | 413 | |
| 1920s | 560 | |
| 1930s | 409 | |
| 1940s | 373 | |
| 1950s | 306 | |
| 1960s | 235 | |
| 1970s | 180 | |
| 1980s | 779 | |
| 1990s | 2,414 | |
| 2000s | 4,969 | |
| 2010s ★ | 6,072 | |
| 2020s | 593 | |
What are good nicknames for Pierce?
What names sound and feel like Pierce?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pierce also consider these
Common questions about the name Pierce
What does the name Pierce mean?
Pierce means "English" — 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 Pierce?
Pierce is currently ranked #546 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Pierce?
Pierce 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 Pierce?
Pierce is a one-syllable name pronounced P IH1 R S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Pierce sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Pierce flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Pierce ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.