Perla

Pronunciation: [ p-ERL-uh ]

Girl Name #1,309 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

The Spanish jewel name as timeless as the pearl itself

Spanish Italian Latin American Mexican

Elegant Classic Vintage Earthy Warm

Meaning & Origin

"pearl"

Origin: Latin/Spanish

Language: Spanish

The Story of Perla

Perla is the Spanish and Italian form of Pearl, derived from the Latin 'perla,' possibly from 'perna' (a leg-shaped mollusk) or 'pirula' (pear-shaped). The pearl has been one of the world's most prized gems for thousands of years — valued before diamonds, rubies, or emeralds in many ancient cultures. Ancient Romans called pearls the queen of gems; in the Middle East they were called 'daughters of the moon.'

Perla has been a beloved name in Spain and Latin America for centuries, particularly in Mexico where it regularly appears in the top 200 girls' names. It maintains the gem-name tradition that gave English names Pearl, Ruby, Opal, and Jade while feeling authentically Spanish.

Pearls hold special significance across cultures. In ancient Rome they were the most prized possession; in China pearls symbolize wisdom acquired through experience; in Islam the Quran describes paradise as adorned with pearls. In Latin American culture, Perla evokes elegance, purity, and feminine grace.

Fun Facts

Natural pearls were once more valuable than diamonds — a single strand could purchase entire estates in ancient Rome
Perla is consistently a top-100 name in Mexico
The pearl is the birthstone for June and the traditional gift for 30th wedding anniversaries

Perla in Other Languages

French Perle

English Pearl

Italian Perla

Spanish Perla

Portuguese Pérola

Famous People Named Perla

Perla Hudson

Musician

1967

Brazilian-American musician and former member of the band Hole

Perla Batalla

Musician

1958

American singer and backup vocalist celebrated for her long collaboration touring with Leonard Cohen

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,309
Total SSA Count: 175
Cultural Origins: Spanish Italian Latin American Mexican
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Perl Perlita

Pairs Well With

Perla Maria Perla Elena Perla Rosa Perla Valentina Perla Ines Perla Lucia Perla Sofia

Sibling Names

Esmeralda Coral Ruby Rosa Jade Camila Marco

Also a Boy Name

Perla is also used as a boy name, ranked #40806.

View Perla as a boy name →

Similar Names

Pearl Ruth Fern Petra Greta Petrona Perel

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Perla

What does the name Perla mean?

"pearl" (from Latin/Spanish). Perla is the Spanish and Italian form of Pearl, derived from the Latin 'perla,' possibly from 'perna' (a leg-shaped mollusk) or 'pirula' (pear-shaped). The pearl has been one of the world's most prized gems for thousands of years — valued before diamonds, rubies, or emeralds in many ancient cultures. Ancient Romans called pearls the queen of gems; in the Middle East they were called 'daughters of the moon.'

What is the origin of the name Perla?

Perla has Latin/Spanish, Spanish, Italian, Latin American, and Mexican origins. In Latin/Spanish, it means "pearl".

Is Perla a boy or girl name?

Perla is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1309. As a boy name, it is ranked #40806. Perla is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Perla?

Perla is pronounced p-ERL-uh.

How popular is the name Perla?

Perla is currently ranked #1309 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Perla?

Common nicknames for Perla include Perl and Perlita.

What are good middle names for Perla?

Popular middle name pairings include Perla Maria, Perla Elena, Perla Rosa, Perla Valentina, Perla Ines, Perla Lucia, and Perla Sofia.

What are good sibling names for Perla?

Names that pair well with Perla as siblings include Esmeralda, Coral, Ruby, Rosa, Jade, Camila, and Marco.

How many syllables does Perla have?

Perla has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Perla a common or rare name?

Perla is an uncommon name, ranked #1309 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Perla

Perla is a girl name with Spanish, Italian, Latin American, and Mexican origins . The name means "pearl" in Latin/Spanish .

Is Perla a boy or girl name? Perla is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,309 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #40,806. Perla is more commonly used as a girl name.

Perla is currently ranked #1,309 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Perla has 2 syllables and is pronounced p-ERL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Perla include Perl and Perlita. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.