Holding steady.
Popularity of Per since 1923
Babies named Per per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 6 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 46 |
| 1960s | 111 |
| 1970s | 74 |
| 1980s | 61 |
| 1990s | 30 |
| 2000s | 26 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
The name Per had its moment of peak popularity in 1968, when it was at its highest recorded usage. Since then, it has maintained a steady but low-level presence, with no significant rise or fall. The earliest recorded instance of Per appears in data from 1923, indicating that while it may never have been among the most common names, it has a consistent history of use across multiple generations. In terms of geographic distribution, the name shows no strong state-level clustering, suggesting its use is spread broadly rather than concentrated in specific regions. For parents seeking a concise, traditional Scandinavian name with a rock-solid etymology, Per offers a quiet but enduring choice.
The name Per is a Scandinavian short form of Peter, which itself comes from the Greek Petros (rock). In Nordic usage it may be a direct borrowing from Old Norse, where a similar element meant stone. Per has been common in Scandinavia, especially Norway and Sweden, since medieval times. It was particularly favored in the mid-20th century, peaking in Norway around the 1960s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pelle, Pelle
Sibling names for Per
Names that share Per's style, for a brother or sister.
