Purl

“To twist or spin”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1509US 2023

691Births / yr

→Stable

81All-time births

📅 Since 188400.01% of births at peak

What does Purl mean and where does it come from?

Purl is an English name that is more commonly known in the context of knitting but is occasionally used as a first name. It suggests a sense of creativity and crafting. The name is quite rare and may evoke imagery of warmth and comfort related to textiles. Purl is not widely attributed to any notabl

Cultural significance

Purl has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to twist or spin.

Peak popularity

Reached #830 in 1885 — currently #1509 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Purl?

Purl works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Purl Grace

How popular is Purl right now?

Holding steady — currently #1509 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#1509 · Top 1.1%

1885

1890

1925

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1509	691	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1514	671	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1519	641	▲ up 1272 · +6310% births
1925	#2791	10	▼ down 1680 · +100% births
1890	#1111	5	▼ down 281 · -29% births
1885	#830	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Purl

Best Year2023Rank #1509

Peak Count691

Average Rank#1833

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1925 - 20234 years

The story of Purl

Purl has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. With 81 total births recorded, Purl remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #830 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1509 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Purl in 1885:

John William James George Charles

Purl by decade

Purl peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	18
1890s	5
1910s	23
1920s ★	35

💎Purl has only 81 total recorded births since 1884 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Purl?

Common

What names sound and feel like Purl?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Purl also consider these

Murl

American · An anglicized form

Curl

American · Meaning 'curly-haired'.

Hurl

Ireland · to throw or

Durl

India · Sanskrit

Pure

American · The state of

Burl

English · a type of

Gurl

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Thurl

American · a combination of

Common questions about the name Purl

What does the name Purl mean?

Purl means "To twist or spin" — 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 Purl?

Purl is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Purl?

Purl 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 does Purl sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Purl flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Purl ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.

Is Purl a common or rare name?

Purl is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.