Per is a name of Norwegian origin, derived from the Old Norse word 'Péir'. It means 'pear' in English and was likely given to children born around harvest time or to honor the fruit's abundance.
The name Per has a long history in Scandinavia, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed that the name was particularly popular among Viking families, who often chose names based on natural elements and objects.
Despite its fruity origins, Per is not just a name for girls. In Norway and other Scandinavian countries, it is used for both boys and girls, although it is more commonly associated with males. The name has also been adopted by other cultures around the world, including those in Germany, France, and even Australia.
In terms of popularity, Per has fluctuated over time. It was quite common in Norway during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but fell out of favor mid-century. However, it has seen a resurgence in recent years, with more parents choosing this classic Scandinavian name for their children.
Overall, Per is a unique and meaningful name with deep roots in Norse history and culture. Its association with the humble yet delicious pear makes it a charming choice for parents looking for something distinctive and memorable for their child.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Per has seen varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest recorded birth was in 1923 with just 6 newborns named Per. This number fluctuated significantly throughout the decades, reaching a peak in the late 1950s to early 1960s.
During this period, there were consistently high numbers of babies named Per, with 13 births in both 1961 and 1962, followed by 14 births each in 1963 and 1964. This suggests that during these years, the name Per was quite popular.
However, popularity began to decline from the mid-1960s onwards. There were only 8 births each in 1965 and 1967, indicating a significant drop in preference for the name Per. This trend continued into the 1970s and 1980s, with numbers ranging between 5 to 12 births per year.
In more recent years, from 1997 to 2020, the number of babies named Per remained consistently low, with only 5 to 9 births recorded each year. This suggests that currently, the name Per is not widely used as a given name in the United States.
Overall, while the name Per has seen periods of relative popularity throughout history, it appears to have fallen out of favor more recently.