Rising since 1987, #3,100 for girls today.
Popularity of Perel since 1984
Babies named Perel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 84 |
| 2000s | 234 |
| 2010s | 299 |
| 2020s | 270 |
Meaning & origin
Perel is a rare Yiddish-derived name that has been in consistent but limited use in the United States since 1984. Despite its low overall frequency (ranked 3100th in 2025 and given to roughly 1 in 30,909 newborns), the name has shown a clear upward trajectory, rising in popularity since 1987. Its peak year to date is 2025, indicating growing recognition among parents seeking distinctive names. The name is most strongly associated with Jewish communities, as reflected in its top states: New Jersey and New York. Perel's etymology remains debated, with possible ties to the Yiddish word for "pearl" or as a diminutive of the Hebrew name Perez. Its Ashkenazi heritage and modern revival make it a meaningful choice for families honoring tradition.
Perel is a name of uncertain origin, most likely derived from Yiddish. It may be a variant of Perle, the Yiddish word for "pearl" (from Middle High German perle), or a diminutive of the Hebrew name Perez, meaning "breach" or "burst forth." The name has seen sporadic use in the United States since the mid-1980s, with a notable concentration in New Jersey and New York, reflecting its Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.
Where Perel is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Peri, Perry
Variants: Perle, Pérel
Sibling names for Perel
Names that share Perel's style, for a brother or sister.
