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Home › Baby Names Directory › Pearse

Pearse

♂ Boy

Pronounced PEERSS /ˈpɪərs/High

Meaning: An Irish surname spelling of Piers, the medieval English form of Peter, from Greek petros ('rock'). Strongly associated with Padraig Pearse, a leader of the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland.Medium

In 30 seconds: One firm syllable: Pearse traces back to Peter, 'rock' (said 'PEERSS'). In Ireland the name carries the memory of Padraig Pearse.
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Origin MediumIrish, English
MeaningAn Irish surname spelling of Piers, the medieval English form of Peter, from Greek petros ('rock'). Strongly associated with Padraig Pearse, a leader of the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland.
U.S. rank (2023)#11891 ↗ Rising
2023 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1999
Total births (all-time)≈ 204

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199919882023

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

Pearse arrives through the Irish surname, a spelling of Piers, the Norman-era form of Peter (Greek petros, 'rock'). Its best-known bearer is Padraig Pearse, executed after the 1916 Easter Rising — a name with real historical weight in Ireland, which families deserve to know (said 'PEERSS').

In the U.S. it is rare, chosen mostly by families with Irish ties. Rare, Irish, and one strong beat.

Did you know? Pearse is an Irish spelling of Piers — itself the old form of Peter, 'rock'. In Ireland it is inseparable from Padraig Pearse, a leader of the 1916 Easter Rising, which we note honestly (said 'PEERSS').
Overall data confidence 65%
References — Pearse — Irish surname from Piers/Peter; Padraig Pearse, Easter Rising 1916

Variations

PiersPiercePearce

Nicknames

PeaPearsey

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Pearse…

Pierce— the same name, most common spelling
Piers— the medieval English form behind it
Peter— the source name, 'rock'
Cormac— a like Irish one-word-strong pick

Explore names like Pearse

By themeirishsurnameone-syllablehistorical
By meaningStrengthRock / StoneLeader

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Pearse mean?

Pearse is an Irish form of Piers, from Peter, meaning 'rock'.

How do you pronounce Pearse?

It's said PEERSS /ˈpɪərs/ — one syllable, like 'pierce'.

Is Pearse a boy or girl name?

Pearse is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Pearse?

Pearse is a rare name for boys in the U.S.

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