Perley is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the English surname "Perley," which itself is an anglicized form of the French name "Perlet." The name Perlet is believed to have been brought to England by Norman settlers after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
The meaning behind the name Perley is not universally agreed upon, but some sources suggest that it may be derived from the French word "perler," which means "to pearl" or "to gleam like a pearl." This interpretation gives the name a connection to beauty and elegance. However, other sources propose that Perley could be an English surname derived from the Middle English word "perel," meaning "rear guard," suggesting a possible military origin.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Perley. One of the most well-known is American author and humorist Irvin S. Cobb, whose birth name was Irving Shaughnessy Perley. Born in 1876, Cobb went on to write numerous short stories, plays, and novels, many of which were set in his native Mississippi.
Despite its unique sound, the name Perley has not seen widespread use throughout history. It is considered quite rare, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. Today, the name Perley continues to be associated with its historical roots and the notable figures who have borne it throughout the years.
In conclusion, Perley is a unique given name of American origin that is derived from the French surname Perlet. While its meaning is not universally agreed upon, some sources suggest connections to beauty, elegance, or military origins. Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Perley, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive and historic name for their child.
The name Perley has seen a fluctuating popularity over the past century and a half in the United States. Between 1880 and 1964, there were a total of 1020 babies named Perley.
The highest number of births occurred in 1915 with 30 babies being named Perley that year. This was also one of the only years where the name reached triple digits in terms of popularity.
However, it's important to note that the name Perley has never been among the most popular names during this time period. In fact, many years saw fewer than ten babies being named Perley each year. For example, there were only 5 births in 1963 and again in 1980.
Overall, while the name Perley may not have been extremely common, it has remained a consistent choice for parents over time, with at least one baby being named Perley every year between 1880 and 1964. This shows that even though it might not be a trendy or popular name, there is still a unique appeal to the name Perley among some families in the United States.
It's also worth mentioning that these statistics only cover a specific time period and location (the United States between 1880 and 1964), so trends may vary outside of this scope.