Origin and Meaning of Perry

Dweller by the pear tree

Origin: English - Derived from the Old English word 'pere,' meaning 'pear,' combined with 'leah,' meaning 'wood' or 'clearing.' The name suggests someone who lives near a pear tree.

• Perry has been used as both a given name and a surname, with notable historical presence as a family name in England.
• The name is popular in English-speaking countries and has variations that include 'Perrie,' which is often used as a feminine form.
• Notable bearers of the name include the American singer Perry Como and British politician Perry McCarthy.
• Perry experienced fluctuating popularity in the 20th century, with its usage peaking in the 1940s and 1950s.
• Variants and diminutives of the name include 'Perrin' and 'Perryson,' which also carry similar connotations of 'pear tree.'