Declining since 2009, #4,539 for boys today.
Popularity of Pearce since 1912
Babies named Pearce per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2010, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Pearce's real moment was 2022.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 31 |
| 1920s | 33 |
| 1930s | 10 |
| 1940s | 21 |
| 1950s | 23 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 21 |
| 1980s | 66 |
| 1990s | 212 |
| 2000s | 323 |
| 2010s | 331 |
| 2020s | 171 |
Meaning & origin
Pearce is a surname-turned-first-name that has seen consistent but modest use in the United States since first recorded in 1912. In the most recent data from 2023, it ranked 4,539th nationally, with approximately 1 in every 77,640 newborn boys receiving the name. The name reached its peak popularity in 2022, ranking 2,456th, before beginning a downward trajectory that has been ongoing since 2009. Despite this recent decline, Pearce remains a recognizable choice for parents seeking a surname name with a strong, straightforward sound. It has never been among the top 1,000 names, but it has maintained a steady presence, particularly in the 2020s. Pearce is closely related to the more common spelling Pierce, which has enjoyed higher rankings. The name's simplicity and connection to the surname tradition make it a classic option for those wanting a name that stands out without being overly unusual.
Pearce is an English surname that became a given name, derived from the medieval given name Piers, the Norman French form of Peter. The name Peter comes from the Greek Petros, meaning 'stone' or 'rock.' As a surname, Pearce and its variant Pierce were originally patronymic, meaning 'son of Piers.' The name has been used as a first name since at least the late 19th century, particularly in families honoring the surname origin.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Pearce
Names that share Pearce's style, for a brother or sister.
