MallowbyNames

Peretz

PEH-rets · He breacheth, or one who breaks through

2025 rank (boys)
#5,861
Babies named in 2025
15
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 113,872 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2009

Rising since 2009, #5,861 for boys today.

Popularity of Peretz since 1987

Babies named Peretz per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2016, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Peretz's real moment was 2025.

511161990200020102020Most births 2016Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1980s5
1990s0
2000s6
2010s85
2020s58

Meaning & origin

Peretz is a distinctive Hebrew name with deep biblical roots, meaning 'one who breaks through.' In the U.S., it was first recorded in 1987 and remains rare, ranking 5,861 in 2025 with 1 in 113,872 newborns given the name. However, its popularity has been steadily rising since 2009, reaching its peak in 2025. The name is most commonly found in New York, reflecting its concentration in Jewish communities. Peretz carries a strong, assertive meaning while remaining relatively uncommon, making it a choice that stands out without being overly familiar.

Peretz is a Hebrew name derived from the verb 'paratz' meaning 'to break through' or 'to burst forth.' In the Bible, Peretz (also spelled Perez) is the son of Judah and Tamar, and an ancestor of King David. The name has been used among Jewish communities for centuries, often in reference to the biblical figure. It gained modern usage as a given name in Israel and among diaspora Jews.

Where Peretz is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Perry, Rets

Variants: Perez, Peres, Perec

Sibling names for Peretz

Names that share Peretz's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

P is for Peretz, our favorite little boy.

P is for Peretz…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Peretz's letter becomes Peretz's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Peretz's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Peretz mean?
Peretz means 'breaker' or 'one who breaks through' in Hebrew. It comes from the biblical figure Peretz, son of Judah and Tamar, known for breaking through the womb.
How popular is Peretz today?
As of 2025, Peretz ranks 5,861 in the U.S., and 1 in 113,872 newborns receives the name. While rare, its popularity has been rising since 2009.
Is Peretz a boy's name?
Yes, Peretz is traditionally a boy's name. It has been used primarily for boys in Jewish communities.