Explore the Family Name Perla
The meaning of Perla
1. Spanish: from perla ‘pearl’, possibly applied as a metonymic occupational name for a trader in pearls, which in the Middle Ages were fashionable among the rich for the ornamentation of clothes. 2. Italian: generally, from the female personal name Perla, meaning ‘pearl’ (Italian perla), but in some cases possibly a metonymic occupational name from the vocabulary word (see 1 above). 3. Italian: habitational name from Perla, a district of Schignano in Como province. 4. Croatian and Slovenian: nickname from perla ‘pearl’, a word of ultimately Latin origin also used pejoratively for a person who leaves a better impression than it is worth. This surname is very rare in Croatia and Slovenia. Some characteristic forenames: Spanish Jose, Julio, Pedro, Roberto, Blanca, Carlos, Fabio, Jesus, Orlando, Adelina, Alba, Alfredo. Italian Rocco, Attilio, Camillo, Carmino, Cesare, Ciro, Dario, Guido, Livio, Salvatore, Serafino, Silvano.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Perla in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census, the surname Perla has seen a notable increase in popularity between 2000 and 2010. In 2000, Perla was ranked 14,064 in popularity and by 2010, it had climbed to 12,541—a jump of over 10 percent. The number of people with this surname also grew during this period from 1,965 to 2,470, marking a significant rise of 25.7 percent. This uptick is reflected in the proportion per 100k people, which increased from 0.73 to 0.84, showing a 15.07 percent escalation.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #14,064 | #12,541 | 10.83% |
| Count | 1,965 | 2,470 | 25.7% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.73 | 0.84 | 15.07% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Perla
Turning to the ethnic identity associated with the Perla surname, the Decennial U.S. Census reveals some interesting changes between 2000 and 2010. The largest group within the Perla surname is Hispanic, accounting for 60.25 percent in 2000 and growing to 68.38 percent by 2010—an increase of 13.49 percent. Conversely, the proportion identifying as White decreased by 24.29 percent, going from 35.78 percent in 2000 to 27.09 percent in 2010. The proportion of Asian/Pacific Islanders rose from 2.75 to 3.32, marking a 20.73 percent increase. However, the percentage of those with two or more races decreased slightly by 14.47 percent, shifting from 0.76 to 0.65. There were no individuals who identified as Black or American Indian and Alaskan Native in either year.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hispanic | 60.25% | 68.38% | 13.49% |
| White | 35.78% | 27.09% | -24.29% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 2.75% | 3.32% | 20.73% |
| Two or More Races | 0.76% | 0.65% | -14.47% |
| Black | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |