PERL

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Perl

The surname Perl is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the medieval given name "Perle". The name likely originated as a descriptive term, referring to someone who collected or traded in pearls, or perhaps someone who had a fair or radiant complexion akin to a pearl.

This surname is particularly associated with individuals of English and Jewish descent. In Jewish tradition, Perl is a variant of the common Yiddish name Peirl, which itself is a form of Peter, meaning "rock" or "stone" in Greek. The name Perl may have been adopted by Jewish families when surnames became common in the 18th century.

As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation of Perl may have evolved over time due to various factors, including migration, literacy levels, and dialectal differences. Today, individuals bearing the surname Perl can be found in different parts of the world, reflecting the rich history and diverse heritage of the name.

Notable individuals with the surname Perl include scholars, artists, and professionals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. The surname Perl continues to be passed down through generations, preserving the legacy and heritage of those who bear it.

There are approximately 102 people named Perl in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Perl.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Andrew
David
Jonathan
Nicholas
Timothy

Female

Donna
Maria
Rosemary
Ruth
Sheila

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.