Explore the Family Name Pericles
The meaning of Pericles
French and Haitian (Périclès): from the personal name Périclès, from Greek Periklēs, derived from the elements peri ‘around, exceedingly’ and kleos ‘glory’. The name was borne by a 5th-century bc statesman, orator, and general of Athens during the Golden Age. This surname is very rare in France. It was brought to the US mainly from Haiti.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Pericles in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census, the surname Pericles has seen a significant increase in popularity between 2000 and 2010. In 2000, the name ranked 71,610 in popularity but by 2010, it had jumped to 54,752, representing a 23.54% increase. The actual count of people bearing the surname also rose from 254 in 2000 to 376 in 2010, a remarkable 48.03% increase. Similarly, the proportion of people with the last name Pericles per 100,000 individuals grew by 44.44%, moving from 0.09 to 0.13.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #71,610 | #54,752 | 23.54% |
| Count | 254 | 376 | 48.03% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.09 | 0.13 | 44.44% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Pericles
Concerning ethnic identity, the census data reveals some interesting trends for those bearing the surname Pericles. In the decade between 2000 and 2010, there were no individuals identified as Asian/Pacific Islander or American Indian and Alaskan Native with this surname. The percentage of individuals who identified as two or more races decreased significantly by 89.26%, from 17.32% to just 1.86%. Whites with this surname also saw a decline by 28.59%, from 13.78% to 9.84%. On the other hand, the Black community witnessed an increase in the adoption of the Pericles surname, surging by 25.4% from 68.5% to 85.9%. Interestingly, the surname began appearing within the Hispanic community in 2010, even though it wasn't present in 2000.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 68.5% | 85.9% | 25.4% |
| White | 13.78% | 9.84% | -28.59% |
| Hispanic | 0% | 2.13% | 0% |
| Two or More Races | 17.32% | 1.86% | -89.26% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |