All about the name PEARLY

Meaning, origin, history.

Pearly is a unique and uncommon given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word 'perle', which means 'pearl'. The name Pearly is often associated with purity, elegance, and beauty, as pearls are known for their lustrous and iridescent qualities.

The use of Pearly as a given name can be traced back to the Victorian era in England. During this time, there was a fashion for giving children names that had literary or biblical references. The name Pearly is believed to have been inspired by biblical passages such as Matthew 13:45-46, which tells the parable of a merchant seeking fine pearls.

Throughout history, pearls have held significant cultural and symbolic meanings across many societies. In ancient China, for instance, pearls were revered as symbols of wisdom, wealth, and longevity. Similarly, in ancient India, pearls were associated with the moon and were believed to possess magical properties.

While Pearly is not a particularly common name today, it has been used by some notable individuals throughout history. One such example is Pearly Baker, an American outlaw who was active during the late 19th century. Despite its rarity, the name Pearly remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their child.

In conclusion, Pearly is a fascinating given name with roots in English literature and biblical passages. Its association with pearls makes it a symbol of beauty, purity, and elegance. Although not widely used today, the name Pearly offers an uncommon and distinctive naming option for those seeking something truly unique.

Popularity of the name PEARLY since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

Based on the statistics provided, we can observe the trend of the name Pearly over time in the United States. From 1884 to 2022, there have been a total of 1689 births with the name Pearly.

The name's popularity has fluctuated significantly throughout this period. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was relatively common, with over 25 births each year between 1913 and 1924, peaking at 53 births in 1924.

However, after the mid-1920s, the popularity of the name Pearly began to decline steadily. Between 1926 and 1968, there were fewer than 30 births each year with this name. This trend continued into the latter half of the 20th century, with single-digit numbers of births from 1973 onwards.

In recent years, Pearly has experienced a slight resurgence in popularity, with 5 to 8 births per year between 2013 and 2022. This suggests that while the name is still not as popular as it once was, it remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon name for their child.

Overall, these statistics show that the name Pearly has seen significant ups and downs in popularity over the past century and a half in the United States. Despite its fluctuating trend, it continues to be chosen by a small but steady number of parents today.