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Home › Baby Names Directory › Pershing

Pershing

♂ Boy

Pronounced PUR-shing /ˈpɜːr.ʃɪŋ/Medium

Meaning: A surname adopted as a given name to honor General John J. Pershing, who led American forces in World War I. The surname itself is of German origin (from Pfoersching / a place name). Given as a wartime namesake, noted honestly.Low

In 30 seconds: A patriotic namesake: Pershing honors the WWI general, said 'PUR-shing.' A surname given in tribute, noted honestly.
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Origin LowEnglish, German
MeaningA surname adopted as a given name to honor General John J. Pershing, who led American forces in World War I. The surname itself is of German origin (from Pfoersching / a place name). Given as a wartime namesake, noted honestly.
U.S. rank (1964)#3923 ↘ Falling
1964 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1918
Total births (all-time)≈ 599

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191819151964

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

Pershing is a surname turned given name, bestowed to honor General John J. Pershing, commander of American forces in World War I. Of German origin, it was handed out as a wartime namesake, peaking in 1918 before nearly disappearing (said 'PUR-shing'). Noted honestly as a namesake.

Pershing belonged almost entirely to the World War I moment and is exceedingly rare now. Rare, patriotic, and namesake.

Did you know? Pershing was given as a patriotic namesake for General John J. Pershing; it peaked in 1918 with America's entry into World War I, then all but vanished.
Overall data confidence 40%
References — Pershing — Namesake of Gen. John J. Pershing; German-origin surname

Variations

PershinPershings

Nicknames

Persh

Famous Bearers

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Pershing mean?

Pershing is a surname given as a patriotic namesake for General John J. Pershing; noted honestly as a namesake.

How do you pronounce Pershing?

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

Is Pershing a boy or girl name?

Pershing is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Pershing?

Pershing spiked around the First World War and is very rare today.

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