Perl

Perl is a concise feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be an alternative spelling of Pearl, the English gemstone name, or it could derive from Yiddish origins where it means "pearl" or can be a diminutive of various names. The simplified spelling gives the name a straightforward, unpretentious quality. Perl has never been widely used but has maintained consistent, limited usage particularly in Jewish communities. The name's simplicity and natural associations with the valuable pearl gemstone give it connotations of purity, rarity, and natural beauty. Its brevity makes it practical while its meaning provides depth and symbolic significance.

As of October 2026, Perl ranked #4436 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #4168 in 2023.