Holding steady.
Popularity of Pearline since 1889
Babies named Pearline per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1927, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Pearline's real moment was 1933.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 50 |
| 1900s | 202 |
| 1910s | 750 |
| 1920s | 1,534 |
| 1930s | 1,415 |
| 1940s | 1,068 |
| 1950s | 711 |
| 1960s | 334 |
| 1970s | 110 |
| 1980s | 58 |
| 1990s | 20 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Pearline is a name that saw its peak usage in the 1930s, specifically 1933, and has since become rare. According to Social Security data, it never reached a rank in the top 1000, indicating it was always an uncommon choice. The name is believed to be an elaborated form of Pearl, following the feminine suffix -line trend of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite its low frequency, Pearline has a distinctly vintage, delicate feel, often associated with the pearl gemstone. Its rarity may appeal to parents seeking a unique name with historical roots. The trajectory has been stable but low, with few to no recorded births in recent decades.
Pearline is most likely a feminine elaboration of Pearl, the English vocabulary word for the gem, combined with the popular suffix -line (as in Caroline or Adeline). It emerged in the late 19th century as part of a trend for ornate, frilly names. The name never reached broad popularity but saw its highest usage in the 1930s, with 1933 as its peak year according to Social Security data.
Where Pearline is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pearl, Pearlie, Line
Sibling names for Pearline
Names that share Pearline's style, for a brother or sister.
