Peregrine is a unique and uncommon given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "peregrinus," which means "foreign" or "traveling abroad." The term originally referred to someone who was a stranger, a pilgrim, or a traveler.
The name Peregrine has a long and distinguished history, dating back to ancient Roman times. In medieval Europe, it was often used as a surname before being adopted as a given name in the 18th century. Some notable figures throughout history have borne this name, including Sir William Peregrine, an English politician of the late 16th century, and Peregrine, Lord Willoughby de Eresby, who served as Governor of Bermuda in the early 17th century.
Today, Peregrine remains a rare choice for a boy's name. It is often associated with adventure, travel, and exploration due to its etymological roots. Despite its uncommon usage, Peregrine continues to appeal to those seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child. Its unique sound and historical significance make it an attractive option for parents looking for something different from the more common names on the popularity charts.
In terms of pronunciation, Peregrine is typically pronounced as /pəˈrɛɡraɪn/. It consists of three syllables and rhymes with words like "traveler" and "beacon." Its spelling can sometimes be confused with other similar-sounding names such as Perigrine or Perigryn, but the most common and accepted spelling is Peregrine.
Overall, Peregrine is an uncommon yet historically significant given name of Latin origin that carries connotations of travel and exploration. While it may not be as popular as some other names, its unique sound and fascinating history make it an appealing choice for those looking for something different and meaningful.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Peregrine has seen a fluctuating yet generally increasing trend in popularity among parents in the United States over the past decade.
In 2011, there were 5 births registered with the name Peregrine. The following year saw a slight increase to 7 births. After a two-year hiatus, the name resurfaced in 2014 with another 7 births. This trend of consistency continued into 2015 and 2016 with 8 and 6 births respectively.
However, starting from 2017, we observe a more pronounced increase in the popularity of this unique name. There were 7 births that year, but this number jumped significantly to 13 in 2018. This upward trajectory continued into 2019 with 8 births, before peaking at 15 and 19 births respectively in 2020 and 2022. Interestingly, the trend appears to have stabilized slightly as the number of Peregrine births dropped from its peak to 15 in 2023.
In total, over this ten-year period (2011-2023), there were 121 babies born in the United States named Peregrine. This demonstrates that while Peregrine may not be one of the most popular names, it has nonetheless carved out a niche for itself among parents looking for distinctive and unusual baby names.