Pier is a name of Italian origin and means "to pierce or prick". It is derived from the Latin word "pĕra" which means "through" or "pierce". The name Pier has been used historically as both a given name and a surname.
In Italian history, there were several notable figures with the name Pier. One of the most famous was Pier Paolo Pasolini, an Italian film director, poet, and writer who lived from 1922 to 1975. He was known for his controversial films and literary works that often explored themes of social justice and political corruption.
The name Pier has also been used in other cultures throughout history. In French, the name Pierre is derived from the same Latin root as Pier and means "stone". The French variation of the name has been popular among royalty and nobility, with notable examples including King Louis IX of France (1214-1270) who was known for his piety and acts of charity.
Today, Pier remains a unique and uncommon name, but it still carries a sense of history and cultural significance. It is often used as both a given name and a surname in Italy, France, and other European countries.
The name Pier has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States over the past several decades. Based on available records, there were only 5 babies named Pier born in the U.S. in 1954. The number of births with this name fluctuated throughout the following years, with peaks occurring in 1961 (7 births), 1982 (7 births), and 1983 (8 births). However, it appears that Pier's popularity has since declined, as there were only 5 births each year from 2002 to 2018, with the exception of a slight increase to 6 births in 2009 and 2014. Overall, between 1954 and 2018, there were a total of 114 babies named Pier born in the United States. Despite its limited popularity, this unique name has maintained a consistent presence among newborns over time.