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Home › Baby Names Directory › Pearlie

Pearlie

♀ Girl

Pronounced PUR-lee /ˈpɜːr.li/High

Meaning: A pet form of Pearl, the gemstone name, from the Latin perla via Old French. It was used as a standalone name in the early twentieth century.Medium

In 30 seconds: Pearlie is a pet form of Pearl, the gemstone name (said 'PUR-lee').
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Origin MediumEnglish, Latin
MeaningA pet form of Pearl, the gemstone name, from the Latin perla via Old French. It was used as a standalone name in the early twentieth century.
U.S. rank (2023)#14729 ↘ Falling
2023 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1937
Total births (all-time)≈ 18,129

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 193718802023

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Pearlie is an affectionate form of Pearl, the gemstone name, from the Latin perla. Part of the early-century fashion for jewel names, it crested around 1937 and then faded, now a vintage pet-form.

Given to several hundred girls a year at its height, Pearlie now reads as a retro 1930s name.

Did you know? Pearlie peaked around 1937 and faded through mid-century, a sweet elaboration of the gemstone name Pearl.
Overall data confidence 78%
References — Pearlie — Pet form of Pearl; gemstone name

Variations

PearlPearlinePurlie

Nicknames

Pearl

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Pearlie…

Pearl— the parent name Pearlie extends
Pearline— a like Pearl elaboration
Opal— a like vintage jewel name
Ruby— a like early-century gemstone name

Explore names like Pearlie

By themevintagediminutivegemstone1930s

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Pearlie mean?

Pearlie is a pet form of Pearl, the gemstone name, from the Latin perla.

How do you pronounce Pearlie?

It's said PUR-lee /ˈpɜːr.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Pearlie a boy or girl name?

Pearlie is used as a girl's name.

Is Pearlie making a comeback?

Possibly — it's a nineteen-thirties favorite long out of use, but Pearl and its pet forms are the sort of vintage jewel names now drawing new interest.

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