Declining since 2005, #11,932 for girls today.
Popularity of Pearla since 1883
Babies named Pearla per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2006, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Pearla's real moment was 1883.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 13 |
| 1910s | 6 |
| 1920s | 27 |
| 1930s | 29 |
| 1940s | 8 |
| 1950s | 28 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 27 |
| 1980s | 36 |
| 1990s | 100 |
| 2000s | 134 |
| 2010s | 98 |
| 2020s | 36 |
Meaning & origin
Pearla is a rare feminine name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1883, the same year it reached its peak rank. With a current rank of 11,932 in 2025, the name is given to roughly 1 in 229,610 newborns. Its trajectory has been falling since 2005, reflecting a steady decline in usage over the past century. The name is a gemstone-inspired elaboration of Pearl, a style common in the late 1800s. While never widespread, Pearla has a delicate, vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking an uncommon alternative to Pearl.
Pearla is a feminine given name derived from the English word 'pearl', ultimately from Latin 'perna' via Old French. It emerged in the late 19th century as an elaborated form of Pearl, adding the -a suffix common in feminine names. The name saw modest use in the 1880s, particularly in the United States, but has since declined in popularity.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pearl, Pearly
Sibling names for Pearla
Names that share Pearla's style, for a brother or sister.
