The name Pearl, evocative of shimmering beauty and natural wonder, has a rich history and is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity. But how popular is the name Pearl, really? Let’s delve into the details, exploring its origins, its historical usage, and its place in the modern baby name landscape.
(Image of Pearl Name Graphic from original content)
Pearl Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective
The popularity of Pearl has ebbed and flowed throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Examining the data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), we can clearly see these trends.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 39 | 2,152 | 0.6112% |
| 1911 | 48 | 2,061 | 0.5535% |
| 1912 | 54 | 2,517 | 0.4991% |
| 1913 | 55 | 2,748 | 0.4847% |
| 1914 | 56 | 3,214 | 0.4612% |
| 1915 | 56 | 3,971 | 0.4371% |
| 1916 | 57 | 4,062 | 0.4205% |
| 1917 | 57 | 4,226 | 0.4224% |
| 1918 | 56 | 4,521 | 0.4212% |
| 1919 | 56 | 4,268 | 0.4076% |
| 1920 | 62 | 4,200 | 0.3777% |
| 1921 | 65 | 4,173 | 0.3644% |
| 1922 | 71 | 3,846 | 0.3452% |
| 1923 | 78 | 3,543 | 0.3163% |
| 1924 | 78 | 3,632 | 0.3128% |
| 1925 | 90 | 3,211 | 0.2841% |
| 1926 | 94 | 2,893 | 0.263% |
| 1927 | 102 | 2,712 | 0.245% |
| 1928 | 110 | 2,357 | 0.2203% |
| 1929 | 114 | 2,167 | 0.2092% |
| 1930 | 121 | 2,062 | 0.1974% |
| 1931 | 137 | 1,627 | 0.1648% |
| 1932 | 138 | 1,603 | 0.1623% |
| 1933 | 143 | 1,371 | 0.1472% |
| 1934 | 153 | 1,323 | 0.1369% |
| 1935 | 166 | 1,166 | 0.12% |
| 1936 | 170 | 1,109 | 0.1151% |
| 1937 | 187 | 1,003 | 0.1018% |
| 1938 | 189 | 982 | 0.0959% |
| 1939 | 198 | 875 | 0.086% |
| 1940 | 196 | 871 | 0.0819% |
| 1941 | 209 | 823 | 0.0731% |
| 1942 | 191 | 1,077 | 0.0853% |
| 1943 | 221 | 859 | 0.0658% |
| 1944 | 240 | 716 | 0.0578% |
| 1945 | 266 | 626 | 0.0513% |
| 1946 | 281 | 652 | 0.0442% |
| 1947 | 292 | 687 | 0.0412% |
| 1948 | 292 | 658 | 0.0412% |
| 1949 | 324 | 540 | 0.0336% |
| 1950 | 318 | 547 | 0.034% |
| 1951 | 348 | 484 | 0.0285% |
| 1952 | 358 | 489 | 0.028% |
| 1953 | 370 | 488 | 0.0276% |
| 1954 | 388 | 449 | 0.0246% |
| 1955 | 406 | 422 | 0.0229% |
| 1956 | 421 | 427 | 0.0226% |
| 1957 | 442 | 406 | 0.0211% |
| 1958 | 489 | 335 | 0.0177% |
| 1959 | 529 | 291 | 0.0153% |
| 1960 | 504 | 318 | 0.0168% |
| 1961 | 522 | 309 | 0.0164% |
| 1962 | 511 | 314 | 0.0171% |
| 1963 | 591 | 236 | 0.0131% |
| 1964 | 584 | 240 | 0.0136% |
| 1965 | 617 | 203 | 0.0124% |
| 1966 | 713 | 140 | 0.009% |
| 1967 | 759 | 119 | 0.0078% |
| 1968 | 806 | 108 | 0.0072% |
| 1969 | 901 | 87 | 0.0056% |
| 1970 | 871 | 104 | 0.0065% |
| 1971 | 863 | 106 | 0.0071% |
| 1972 | 796 | 120 | 0.0088% |
| 1973 | 896 | 90 | 0.0069% |
| 1974 | 892 | 93 | 0.0072% |
| 1975 | 911 | 93 | 0.0072% |
| 1976 | 914 | 94 | 0.0073% |
| 1977 | 1,019 | 81 | 0.006% |
| 1978 | 961 | 93 | 0.0069% |
| 1979 | 1,033 | 85 | 0.006% |
| 1980 | 908 | 112 | 0.0077% |
| 1981 | 853 | 131 | 0.0089% |
| 1982 | 868 | 124 | 0.0083% |
| 1983 | 839 | 129 | 0.0087% |
| 1984 | 859 | 124 | 0.0083% |
| 1985 | 928 | 116 | 0.0076% |
| 1986 | 947 | 114 | 0.0076% |
| 1987 | 1,055 | 92 | 0.006% |
| 1988 | 1,076 | 96 | 0.0062% |
| 1989 | 1,161 | 91 | 0.0056% |
| 1990 | 1,240 | 84 | 0.0051% |
| 1991 | 1,214 | 93 | 0.0057% |
| 1992 | 1,190 | 99 | 0.0062% |
| 1993 | 1,087 | 117 | 0.0075% |
| 1994 | 1,253 | 87 | 0.0057% |
| 1995 | 1,071 | 118 | 0.0078% |
| 1996 | 1,122 | 110 | 0.0073% |
| 1997 | 1,216 | 96 | 0.0065% |
| 1998 | 1,151 | 110 | 0.0073% |
| 1999 | 1,247 | 97 | 0.0065% |
| 2000 | 1,064 | 144 | 0.0094% |
| 2001 | 1,045 | 153 | 0.0102% |
| 2002 | 1,098 | 138 | 0.0092% |
| 2003 | 1,149 | 134 | 0.0088% |
| 2004 | 1,088 | 156 | 0.0102% |
| 2005 | 1,227 | 125 | 0.0082% |
| 2006 | 1,079 | 178 | 0.0114% |
| 2007 | 952 | 228 | 0.0145% |
| 2008 | 1,026 | 198 | 0.0128% |
| 2009 | 987 | 209 | 0.014% |
| 2010 | 936 | 213 | 0.0148% |
| 2011 | 810 | 271 | 0.019% |
| 2012 | 754 | 306 | 0.0215% |
| 2013 | 665 | 373 | 0.0262% |
| 2014 | 635 | 394 | 0.027% |
| 2015 | 610 | 409 | 0.0281% |
| 2016 | 557 | 496 | 0.0344% |
| 2017 | 609 | 417 | 0.0299% |
| 2018 | 603 | 419 | 0.0305% |
| 2019 | 663 | 361 | 0.0267% |
| 2020 | 771 | 299 | 0.0235% |
| 2021 | 800 | 280 | 0.0229% |
| 2022 | 771 | 327 | 0.0248% |
| 2023 | 787 | 313 | 0.0242% |
As the table illustrates, Pearl enjoyed significant popularity in the early 20th century, reaching a peak in the 1910s and 1920s. Its usage then declined steadily until the late 20th century. However, since the early 2000s, Pearl has been making a comeback, climbing the ranks as parents rediscover its vintage charm and simple elegance. This data provides a clear picture of the name’s cyclical nature.
The Allure of Pearl: Meaning and Associations
Beyond the statistics, the appeal of Pearl lies in its direct association with the gemstone. Pearls are highly valued for their beauty, rarity, and unique origin – formed within a living creature. This natural process lends the name a sense of organic beauty and resilience.
Furthermore, pearls have been associated with purity, innocence, wisdom, and even good luck throughout history. These positive connotations undoubtedly contribute to the name’s enduring charm. A child named Pearl is thus bestowed with a name carrying a legacy of elegance and grace.
Variations and Similar Names
If you’re drawn to the name Pearl but seeking something slightly different, consider these variations:
- Pearla
- Pearle
- Pearleen
- Pearlette
- Pearlie
- Pearline
- Perl
- Perla
- Perle
- Perlette
- Perley
- Perline
- Perlita
- Perlline
These variations offer subtle nuances in sound and spelling, while maintaining the core essence of the name.
Names with a similar sound or theme include:
- Beryl: A light green gemstone.
- Emerald: Another precious gemstone name.
Sibling Names
According to user data, parents who choose the name Pearl often select the name Stella for a sibling, suggesting a preference for classic and beautiful names.
Conclusion
The name Pearl is more than just a name; it’s a statement of timeless elegance and a connection to the natural world. Its resurgence in popularity speaks to a desire for names with meaning and character, names that evoke beauty and grace. Whether you are drawn to its vintage charm or its inherent connection to the precious gemstone, Pearl is a name that will undoubtedly continue to shine for generations to come.