Pearlena

Pearlena combines the English word 'pearl' with the feminine suffix '-ena,' creating a longer, more ornate version of the classic name Pearl. This elaboration follows a pattern seen in names like Paulina or Carlena, where a simple root name is extended with a melodic suffix. Pearl itself derives from the Latin 'perla,' referring to the precious gem, and has been used as a name since the late 19th century. The extended form Pearlena emerged in the early 20th century, with documented usage in the United States from the 1910s-1930s. Though never extremely common, it has persisted as a distinctive vintage name. Pearlena carries the same associations of purity, rarity and value as Pearl, but with an elaborated, more formal structure that was fashionable in earlier eras of American naming.

Pronounced per-LEE-nuh.

As of October 2026, Pearlena ranked #7327 in US births in 1966 SSA, peaked at #1659 in 1905.