The name Perrine is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the Latin name Petronilla, which means "little rock" or "stone." The name Petronilla was the name of an early Christian martyr who was said to have been miraculously born to Saint Peter and his wife during his imprisonment in Rome.
The name Perrine became popular in France during the Middle Ages, and it has remained a common name in French-speaking countries ever since. It is often used as a diminutive form of the name Péronne, which itself is derived from the Latin name Petronilla.
In literature, Perrine is also the name of the main character in "Perrine et les voix intérieures" (Perrine and the Inner Voices), a novel written by French author Jean-Claude Brisville. This story tells the tale of a young girl who struggles with hearing voices that only she can hear.
While the name Perrine may not be as widely known outside of French-speaking countries, it remains a beloved and unique name among those who speak French or have French heritage. Its meaning, "little rock," suggests strength and resilience, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Perrine has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States. In the early 20th century, there were only a few instances of this name being given to newborns each year. For example, in 1919, there were just six births with the name Perrine.
As time progressed, the name's popularity seemed to wane even further. By 1980, it was still relatively uncommon, with only seven babies named Perrine that year.
However, towards the end of the century and into the 21st century, there was a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Perrine. In 2014, five newborns were given this name, and then again in 2018, six babies were named Perrine.
Overall, between 1919 and 2018, a total of 24 children were born in the United States with the name Perrine. While this number may not indicate widespread popularity, it does suggest that there has been some steady interest in the name over the years.