Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Pernell

Pernell

♂ Boy

Pronounced pur-NEL /pərˈnɛl/Medium

Meaning: A medieval English name from Petronilla (a diminutive linked to Peter, from Latin/Greek petra, 'rock'). Later a surname and given name; borne by actor Pernell Roberts.Low

In 30 seconds: A vintage name: Pernell traces to Peter, 'rock,' via medieval Petronilla (said 'pur-NEL'). Old and distinctive.
💕 Browse more names
Origin LowEnglish, Latin
MeaningA medieval English name from Petronilla (a diminutive linked to Peter, from Latin/Greek petra, 'rock'). Later a surname and given name; borne by actor Pernell Roberts.
U.S. rank (2023)#11893 ↗ Rising
2023 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1964
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,031

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196419152023

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

Pernell is a medieval name from Petronilla, linked to Peter (from petra, 'rock'), later carried as a surname and given name. Distinctive and vintage, which we note — uncommon in the U.S. (said 'pur-NEL').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, vintage, and distinctive.

Did you know? Pernell descends from the medieval Petronilla, tied to Peter ('rock') — later a surname and first name, borne by actor Pernell Roberts (said 'pur-NEL').
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Pernell — medieval Petronilla, linked to Peter, 'rock'; Pernell Roberts

Variations

ParnellPernelPurnell

Nicknames

PernNell

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Pernell…

Darnell— a like -nell name
Cornell— a like -nell surname pick
Darrell— lands in the same popularity range
Lowell— another English name
Ezell— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Pernell

By themeenglishvintagemedievalrock

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Pernell mean?

Pernell is a medieval name from Petronilla, tied to Peter ('rock,' from Latin petra).

How do you pronounce Pernell?

It's said pur-NEL /pərˈnɛl/ — two syllables, stress on the last.

Is Pernell a boy or girl name?

Pernell is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Pernell?

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

💬 Ask Nia