"pearl"
Origin: Latin via Yiddish
Language: Yiddish
Perl
Pronunciation: [ p-ERL ]
Does Perl flow with your last name?
A Yiddish treasure meaning pearl
Jewish/Ashkenazi
American
English
Vintage
Elegant
Minimalist
Classic
Whimsical
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Names Like Perl
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Meaning & Origin
"precious gem from the sea"
Origin: Latin perla
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Shares name with the Perl programming language (1987), which may amuse tech-savvy families
The Story of Perl
Perl is the Yiddish and Hebrew form of Pearl, derived ultimately from the Latin perla meaning pearl. In Ashkenazi Jewish naming traditions, Perl has been a beloved given name for centuries, used as a direct Yiddish equivalent to Pearl. The name carries the classic symbolism of the pearl: purity, wisdom, and hidden beauty formed through hardship. While Pearl has seen a modern revival in English-speaking countries, Perl retains its distinctly Yiddish character and charm.
Perl was common among Ashkenazi Jewish communities in Eastern Europe and among Jewish immigrants to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Like many Yiddish names, it declined through the mid-20th century but is now seeing a quiet revival as vintage and heritage names regain appeal. The name also shares its spelling with the Perl programming language created in 1987.
In Ashkenazi Jewish culture, naming children after deceased relatives is a sacred tradition. Perl/Pearl has been one of the most beloved names in this tradition, passed down through generations. The name appears frequently in Yiddish literature and theater, representing a classic feminine ideal.
Historical Record
Perl first appeared in US Social Security records in 1967.
Over 578 babies have been named Perl in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Perl is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #5,576 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Perl is the Yiddish form of Pearl, beloved in Ashkenazi Jewish communities for centuries
- The Perl programming language (created 1987 by Larry Wall) shares this spelling but is unrelated to the name
- Pearl/Perl names were among the top 20 names for Jewish girls in early 20th century America
Perl in Other Languages
German
Perle
Hebrew
פנינה (Penina)
Polish
Perla
English
Pearl
Yiddish
פּערל (Perl)
Popularity Over Time
#5,576
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Perl
P
Pearl (Perl) Sydenstricker Buck
Writer
1892
Nobel Prize-winning American author known for The Good Earth, often called Pearl
P
Perl Bailey
Other
A common name in Ashkenazi Jewish immigrant communities of early 20th century America
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #5,576
- Total SSA Count
- 23
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish/Ashkenazi American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Perl
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Perl is also used as a boy name, ranked #33977.
View Perl as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Jewish/Ashkenazi)
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"harmony, concord, fitting together"
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Italian origin
"air, song, melody"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Perl
What does the name Perl mean?
"pearl" (from Latin via Yiddish). "precious gem from the sea" (from Latin perla). Perl is the Yiddish and Hebrew form of Pearl, derived ultimately from the Latin perla meaning pearl. In Ashkenazi Jewish naming traditions, Perl has been a beloved given name for centuries, used as a direct Yiddish equivalent to Pearl. The name carries the classic symbolism of the pearl: purity, wisdom, and hidden beauty formed through hardship. While Pearl has seen a modern revival in English-speaking countries, Perl retains its distinctly Yiddish character and charm.
What is the origin of the name Perl?
Perl has Latin via Yiddish, Latin perla, Jewish/Ashkenazi, American, and English origins. In Latin via Yiddish, it means "pearl". In Latin perla, it means "precious gem from the sea".
Is Perl a boy or girl name?
Perl is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #5576. As a boy name, it is ranked #33977. Perl is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Perl?
Perl is pronounced p-ERL.
How popular is the name Perl?
Perl is currently ranked #5576 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Perl?
Popular middle name pairings include Perl Rose, Perl Marie, Perl Jane, Perl Anne, Perl Louise, Perl Grace, and Perl Faye.
What are good sibling names for Perl?
Names that pair well with Perl as siblings include Esther, Goldie, Rivka, Ora, Hana, Reva, and Leah.
How many syllables does Perl have?
Perl has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Perl a common or rare name?
Perl is an uncommon name, ranked #5576 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Perl?
Are there other spellings for Perl?
About the Name Perl
Perl is a girl name with Jewish/Ashkenazi, American, and English origins . The name means "pearl" in Latin via Yiddish .
Is Perl a boy or girl name? Perl is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #5,576 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #33,977. Perl is more commonly used as a girl name.
Perl is currently ranked #5,576 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Perl has 1 syllable and is pronounced p-ERL, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Perl include Persephone, Perla, Perry, Perel, Perri . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis