Perkins is an English surname and given name that has been in use for centuries. It is derived from the Middle English personal name Perkin, which was a diminutive of Peter. The name Peter comes from the Greek word 'petros', meaning 'rock' or 'stone'.
The Perkins family name is believed to have originated in England during the Middle Ages. It was often given as a nickname to someone who was considered to be like a 'little rock' or 'small stone'. Alternatively, it may have been an occupational surname for a stonemason or quarry worker.
Over time, the name Perkins became established as a family name and was passed down through generations. Today, it is still predominantly found in English-speaking countries such as England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the United States.
Some notable people with the surname Perkins include:
* Thomas Perkins (1764-1852), an American merchant and politician who served as Mayor of Boston.
* Francis Edgar Stanley Perkins (1889-1967), known as F.E. "Doc" Smith, was a science fiction author.
* Anthony Perkins (1932-1992), an American actor best known for his role in the film "Psycho".
* Greg Perkins (born 1959), an Australian rules footballer who played for Essendon and North Melbourne.
In addition to being used as a surname, Perkins has also been used as a given name since the early 20th century. It is still relatively uncommon but can be found in various countries around the world.
Based on the statistics provided, it appears that the name Perkins has experienced fluctuations in popularity over time in the United States.
In the early to mid-20th century, there was a noticeable trend of consistency with five births occurring annually from 1920 to 1925 and again between 1943 and 1958. However, there were years where the number of births was higher than average, such as in 1917 with eight births, 1921 with ten births, and 1947 with seven births.
More recently, in the year 2000, five births were recorded for the name Perkins. While this is lower than some of the peak years earlier in the century, it still indicates that the name continues to be used occasionally in the United States.
Overall, a total of seventy-nine babies have been named Perkins in the United States across the years listed in the statistics provided. This demonstrates that while Perkins may not be one of the most popular names, it remains a name that parents choose for their children from time to time throughout different eras.