"pearl"
Origin: Latin/Spanish
Language: Spanish
Perla
Pronunciation: [ p-ERL-uh ]
Does Perla flow with your last name?
The Spanish jewel name as timeless as the pearl itself
Spanish
Italian
Latin American
Mexican
Elegant
Classic
Vintage
Earthy
Warm
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Perla
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Meaning & Origin
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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.
Historical Record
Perla first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 20,499 babies have been named Perla in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Perla is past its peak , currently ranked #1,309 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#1,309
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2003
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Perla
P
Perla Hudson
Musician
1967
Brazilian-American musician and former member of the band Hole
P
Perla Batalla
Musician
1958
American singer and backup vocalist celebrated for her long collaboration touring with Leonard Cohen
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Compare Perla with:
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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Perla
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Perla is also used as a boy name, ranked #40806.
View Perla as a boy name →Similar Names
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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.
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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