Perry

♂ Boy

Pronounced PAIR-ee /ˈpɛr.iː/Low

Meaning: Pear tree, one who lives near a pear treeLow

In 30 seconds: Perry is an Old English name meaning pear tree or someone who lived near a pear tree. It has been used for both boys and girls and carries a warm, approachable quality associated with figures from television host Perry Mason to singer Katy Perry.

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningPear tree, one who lives near a pear tree

U.S. rank (2025)#1373 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births135 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1959

Total births (all-time)≈ 76,043

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Perry derives from the Old English pyrige meaning pear tree. It became a surname for those living near pear trees and then a given name. Perry has been used for both boys and girls in English-speaking countries for many centuries.

Perry has been a steady presence in American naming. Famous bearers include TV host Perry Como, fictional lawyer Perry Mason, and singer Katy Perry (born Katheryn Hudson). It has an easy, warm quality.

Did you know? Perry is the Old English word for pear tree, from the same root as the word pear itself. Pear trees were historically grown in English orchards and their planting near homes gave rise to the surname Perry for those who lived nearby.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name: Perry

Variations

PeriPerriPerrie

Nicknames

Per

Famous Bearers

★Perry Como (1912-2001)
American singer and television host, one of the biggest stars of early American television

If you like Perry…

Terry— Two-syllable -erry name of same vintage feel

Leroy— Two-syllable vintage masculine name of same era

Gary— shares Perry's English roots

Larry— shares Perry's English roots

Gentry— a fellow English choice

Explore names like Perry

By themeenglish classic nature two-syllable gender-neutral

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Frequently Asked

What does Perry mean?

Perry means pear tree or one who lives near a pear tree in Old English.

Is Perry a boy or girl name?

Perry is gender-neutral and has been used for both boys and girls in English-speaking countries.

How do you pronounce Perry?

Perry is pronounced PAIR-ee with two syllables.

What names are similar to Perry?

Similar names include Berry, Terry, and Carey.