Perry is a name of English origin that has been used as both a given name and a surname for centuries. The name originates from the Middle English word "perrie," which means "pear tree." This name was likely given to children born near pear trees or who had familial connections to pear farming.
The use of Perry as a given name can be traced back to at least the 16th century in England, but it became more common during the Victorian era. It was also popular among Quaker families during this time due to its simplicity and biblical associations, such as with the apostle Peter who is often referred to as "Petrus," which means "rock" or "stone."
Some notable individuals named Perry include American actor Matthew Perry, best known for his role in the television sitcom Friends, and English musician Thomas Andrew "Tom" Perry, better known by his stage name Thom Yorke, the lead singer of the alternative rock band Radiohead.
In literature, Perry is also the surname of one of the main characters in Oscar Wilde's novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. In this work, Lord Henry Wotton uses the phrase "the only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it," which he says to his friend Dorian Gray when encouraging him to embrace his desires and live life to its fullest.
Today, Perry continues to be a popular name for boys in English-speaking countries. It has a friendly and approachable sound, while also having historical and literary significance. Despite its association with the fruit of the same name, the name Perry is not typically associated with any particular personality traits or characteristics. Instead, it is often seen as a versatile and timeless choice that can suit a wide range of individuals.
The name Perry has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1883 and 2023, there were a total of 3,503 births registered with the first name Perry.
During the early 1900s, the number of babies named Perry remained relatively low, with fewer than 10 births per year between 1904 and 1919. However, starting in 1920, there was a notable increase in the number of newborns given the name Perry, reaching a peak of 28 births in both 1924 and 1925.
The popularity of the name continued to fluctuate throughout the mid-20th century. The highest points occurred during the post-World War II baby boom, with 36 births in 1942 and 43 births in 1960. After that period, the number of babies named Perry began to decline, dropping below 20 births per year by the late 1960s.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the name Perry experienced another resurgence, with peaks of 25 births in 1983 and 29 births in 1987. This trend continued into the early 1990s, with a high of 40 births in 1994.
Since then, the popularity of the name Perry has seen steady growth. In the 21st century, there have been more than 30 births per year every year since 2000, reaching an all-time high of 122 births in 2023. This recent surge in popularity suggests that the name Perry continues to be well-liked by parents in the United States.
Overall, the statistics demonstrate that while the name Perry has gone through periods of varying popularity over time, it remains a popular choice for baby boys in the United States today.