Pernell is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old French word "Perronel", which was a diminutive form of the name "Peter". The name Peter itself has Greek roots, meaning "rock" or "stone".
The name Pernell has been used throughout history, with notable figures bearing this name including the English cricketer Pernell Swallow and American football player Pernell Phillips. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names of English origin.
Despite its rarity, Pernell is a charming and memorable name that carries a certain vintage charm. Its meaning adds depth and significance to the name, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking something unique yet meaningful for their child.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Pernell appears to have seen a significant peak in popularity between 1959 and 1964, with the highest number of births occurring in 1964 (178 births). After this peak, there was a substantial decline in the number of babies named Pernell each year. By the early 2000s, the name had become quite rare, with fewer than 25 births per year. Since then, the popularity of the name has remained relatively low, with fewer than 15 births per year on average.