Perry is a name of English origin that has been used as both a given name and a surname for centuries. The name originates from the Middle English word "perrie," which means "pear tree." This name was likely given to children born near pear trees or who had familial connections to pear farming.
The use of Perry as a given name can be traced back to at least the 16th century in England, but it became more common during the Victorian era. It was also popular among Quaker families during this time due to its simplicity and biblical associations, such as with the apostle Peter who is often referred to as "Petrus," which means "rock" or "stone."
Some notable individuals named Perry include American actor Matthew Perry, best known for his role in the television sitcom Friends, and English musician Thomas Andrew "Tom" Perry, better known by his stage name Thom Yorke, the lead singer of the alternative rock band Radiohead.
In literature, Perry is also the surname of one of the main characters in Oscar Wilde's novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. In this work, Lord Henry Wotton uses the phrase "the only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it," which he says to his friend Dorian Gray when encouraging him to embrace his desires and live life to its fullest.
Today, Perry continues to be a popular name for boys in English-speaking countries. It has a friendly and approachable sound, while also having historical and literary significance. Despite its association with the fruit of the same name, the name Perry is not typically associated with any particular personality traits or characteristics. Instead, it is often seen as a versatile and timeless choice that can suit a wide range of individuals.
The name Perry has seen a significant increase in popularity since the early 1900s, with the highest number of births recorded in recent years. Between 1883 and 1973, there were fewer than 30 births per year for this name on average. However, starting from the late 1970s, the popularity of Perry began to rise steadily, reaching over 40 births per year by the mid-1990s. The most notable spike occurred in recent years, with over 120 births recorded in 2023 alone, marking a significant trend towards this name's increased usage among parents today.