Perry
Meaning of Perry
Perry began life as an English surname, most likely taken from the Middle English perrie, “pear tree,” a topographic label for someone who lived near an orchard; scholars also note occasional links to the Welsh patronymic “ap Harry” and to the medieval given name Peregrine, but those trails are side roads rather than the main route. As a given name it peaked in mid-century America—hovering around the Top 150 in the 1950s—before settling into today’s low-key, mid-hundreds niche that keeps it familiar yet far from overworked. The roster of namesakes is agreeably mixed: naval hero Oliver Hazard Perry, courtroom icon Perry Mason, the late actor Matthew Perry, and pop star Katy Perry all lend the name a quietly versatile profile. Unisex by habit and only two brisk syllables long, Perry offers parents a straightforward choice with just enough orchard-fresh heritage to keep things interesting.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as PER-ee (/ˈpɛri/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Perry
| Perry Como was an American singer, actor, and TV personality who recorded exclusively for RCA Victor for 44 years. |
| Perry Ellis was an American fashion designer who founded his own sportswear brand in the 1970s and shook up traditional menswear with fresh patterns and proportions. |
| Perry Farrell is the American singer who fronted Jane's Addiction and became known as the Godfather of Alternative Music for helping launch the genre into the spotlight. |
| Perry Baker is a retired American rugby sevens star who was twice named World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year and scored more tries than any other American in history. |
| Perry Christie is a former athlete and Bahamian politician who served two terms as prime minister of the Bahamas and represented Centreville in Parliament for 40 years. |
| Perry Botkin Jr. was an American composer, producer, arranger, and musician. |
| Perry Firestone King is an American actor best known for his work in television and film. |
| Perry Smith was a Connecticut lawyer who served in the state House of Representatives and later in the United States Senate from 1837 to 1843. |
