Names that mean “pearl” have long been cherished for their symbolism of beauty, rarity, and elegance. Pearls are timeless treasures of the sea, often associated with purity and femininity, making them a popular choice for baby names. Whether you’re looking for a name that reflects the precious nature of pearls or one that carries a deeper cultural significance, there are plenty of beautiful options to consider.
These names range from classic to modern and are perfect for anyone seeking a unique, meaningful name for their child.
Why Choose a Name That Means Pearl?
Naming a child after a pearl symbolizes beauty, rarity, and grace. Pearls are formed over time, representing endurance and resilience, qualities many parents wish to imbue in their children. Choosing a name that means “pearl” also connects the bearer to this precious gem’s timeless elegance and delicate charm. From ancient cultures to modern times, pearls have been revered and cherished, making these names a lasting choice that stands the test of time.
Traditional Names That Mean Pearl
Traditional names that mean “pearl” have a timeless appeal, carrying cultural significance and history. These names have been used for centuries and have a classic, enduring charm. If you’re looking for a name that has stood the test of time, this list offers beautiful options rooted in history and tradition.
Margaret – A classic name of Greek origin meaning “pearl”
Margarita – A traditional Spanish and Latin name meaning “pearl”
Marguerite – The French version of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Greta – A short form of Margaret, popular in various cultures
Peggy – A diminutive of Margaret, with vintage charm
Megan – A Welsh variation of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Maisie – A Scottish diminutive of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Mairead – The Irish form of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Marjorie – An old-fashioned name derived from Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Pearl – Directly named after the precious gem, simple and elegant
Perla – The Italian and Spanish word for “pearl”
Perlette – A French diminutive of Perle, meaning “little pearl”
Margarid – The Portuguese variation of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Gretchen – A German diminutive of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Margo – A sleek French version of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Rita – A shortened form of Margarita, meaning “pearl”
Polly – An English diminutive of Mary and Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Marit – A Scandinavian variation of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Grietje – A Dutch diminutive of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Margherita – The Italian form of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Magali – A French name of uncertain origin, often associated with Margaret
Maisy – A variant spelling of Maisie, a diminutive of Margaret
Margot – A chic French name derived from Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Gretta – A variant of Greta, a diminutive of Margaret
Gretel – A German diminutive of Margaret, often associated with the fairy tale
Meg – A simple, strong diminutive of Margaret
Madge – An old-fashioned diminutive of Margaret
May – Often used as a nickname for Margaret or Mary
Maggie – A popular diminutive of Margaret
Margery – An alternative form of Marjorie, meaning “pearl”
Pearleen – An Irish variant of Pearl
Maret – A Dutch and Estonian variation of Margaret
Rhiannon – A Welsh name that can mean “great queen” but is often associated with pearls and beauty
Margarida – The Catalan and Portuguese form of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Rita – A diminutive of Margarita, commonly used in Italy and Spain
Greta – A Scandinavian diminutive of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Maighread – The Scottish Gaelic form of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Pearly – A playful, modern take on the name Pearl
Marge – A short form of Margaret, often used in English-speaking countries
Marjolaine – A French variation of Marjorie, meaning “pearl”
Malgarita – A Basque form of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Margarita – A name used across many cultures, meaning “pearl”
Mairéad – An Irish Gaelic form of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Greda – An Old English form of Greta, meaning “pearl”
Pearley – A variation of Pearl, often used in the Southern United States
Marzena – A Polish name that is a form of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
Modern Names Inspired by Pearls
Modern names inspired by pearls offer a fresh take on this classic gemstone. These names are perfect for parents who want something contemporary yet meaningful. They bring a new perspective to the traditional charm of pearls, making them suitable for the modern age.
Pearla – A modern twist on the classic Pearl
Lulu – An Arabic name meaning “pearl”
Mikimoto – Named after the famous Japanese pearl brand, perfect for a luxury-inspired name
Akoya – Refers to a type of Japanese pearl, sleek and stylish
Jewel – Inspired by the precious nature of pearls
Iridesa – Reflecting the iridescent quality of pearls
Aluna – A modern name with a soft, melodic sound, reminiscent of the moon’s connection to pearls
Zenobia – A unique name meaning “life of Zeus,” often associated with beauty and rarity
Aurelia – Means “golden,” but often used to describe the golden sheen of pearls
Bijou – French for “jewel,” capturing the essence of pearls
Celeste – Meaning “heavenly,” a name reflecting the purity of pearls
Siren – Inspired by the mythical beings known for their allure, much like pearls
Oceana – Reflecting the ocean, where pearls are found
Lustre – Referring to the shiny quality of pearls
Nacre – The substance that forms pearls, a unique and meaningful name
Luminara – Inspired by light, reflecting the luminous quality of pearls
Kailani – Hawaiian for “sea and sky,” perfect for a pearl-inspired name
Azure – The color of the ocean, symbolizing the birthplace of pearls
Coraline – Inspired by coral, often found near pearl beds
Frost – For the icy sheen some pearls have
Marin – Meaning “of the sea,” relating to pearls
Cleo – Short for Cleopatra, who famously loved pearls
Ocean – Directly referencing the pearl’s natural habitat
Raya – Meaning “friend” but often associated with water
Lilou – French for “lily,” symbolizing purity and beauty
Isla – A name meaning “island,” where many pearls are found
Misty – Evoking the misty waters where pearls are found
Blue – Inspired by the ocean, a modern and bold name
Beryl – Refers to a type of gem, capturing the essence of a pearl’s beauty
Sapphire – A gem name that reflects the luxurious quality of pearls
Venus – Named after the goddess born from the sea, often depicted with pearls
Shimmer – A modern, playful name inspired by the way pearls shine
Luna – Means “moon,” and the moon is often associated with the pearl’s lustrous quality
Coral – Named after the marine invertebrates found near pearls
Aurora – Means “dawn,” capturing the soft glow of pearls
Crystal – Refers to a clear, transparent mineral, much like the clarity of a pearl
Ivy – A modern botanical name with a vintage twist
Gemma – Italian for “gem,” highlighting the precious nature of pearls
Maple – A sweet name for a baby girl, with a modern twist
Meera – Means “ocean” in some languages, making it perfect for a pearl-inspired name
Topaz – A gemstone name that complements the elegance of pearls
Nova – A name meaning “new,” for the fresh glow of a pearl
Amber – A warm, honey-colored name inspired by precious stones
Zara – A name meaning “princess,” fitting for the regal nature of pearls
Ruby – A gemstone name that pairs well with the luxurious feel of pearls
Onyx – A strong, bold name, contrasting beautifully with the soft elegance of pearls
Veda – Means “knowledge,” but often associated with wisdom, like the timeless pearl
Elara – A moon of Jupiter, connecting to the celestial theme often linked with pearls
Esme – Means “beloved,” a precious name for a beloved baby
Fawn – A gentle, nature-inspired name that reflects the delicate beauty of pearls
Dove – A symbol of peace, often used to describe the serene nature of pearls
Avalon – A mystical island associated with beauty and luxury, like pearls
Willow – A nature-inspired name that captures the gentle sway of the tree, much like the gentle sheen of pearls
Skye – A modern name inspired by the vast sky, complementing the openness of the sea where pearls are found
River – Another nature name, perfect for capturing the fluid beauty of pearls
Everly – A modern name that has gained popularity for its soft, flowing sound
Snow – A winter-inspired name, reflecting the pure white of some pearls
Harper – A modern, stylish name that has become increasingly popular
Eden – Refers to paradise, symbolizing the ultimate beauty, like a perfect pearl
Rain – A calming, nature-inspired name, perfect for a baby with a peaceful disposition
Phoenix – A mythical bird that rises from the ashes, much like pearls that come from the sea
Lark – A playful, modern name that fits well with the lightness of pearls
Storm – A bold name that contrasts with the delicate nature of pearls
Olive – A nature-inspired name that has become increasingly popular
Daisy – A flower name that pairs well with the elegance of pearls
Hazel – A vintage name that has regained popularity, perfect for a pearl-inspired theme
Juniper – A modern botanical name that has a fresh, lively feel
Sage – A herb name that conveys wisdom and serenity, much like the pearl
Indigo – A bold color name that contrasts beautifully with the soft elegance of pearls
Winter – A season-inspired name that reflects the cool sheen of some pearls
Raven – A bold, nature-inspired name that contrasts beautifully with the lightness of pearls
Lola – A playful, modern name that has become increasingly popular
Brielle – A modern name that has a soft, flowing sound, much like the sheen of pearls
Eloise – A vintage name that has regained popularity, perfect for a pearl-inspired theme
Fleur – French for “flower,” capturing the delicate beauty of pearls
Ophelia – A Shakespearean name that has a vintage charm, much like pearls
Livia – A modern name that has a soft, flowing sound, much like the sheen of pearls
Zinnia – A flower name that pairs well with the elegance of pearls
Vienna – A place name that captures the cultural elegance of pearls
Aurélie – French for “golden,” capturing the luxurious nature of pearls
Briony – A botanical name that has a vintage charm, much like pearls
Quinn – A modern, unisex name that has become increasingly popular
Sawyer – A modern, unisex name that fits well with the rustic elegance of pearls
Ember – A modern name that captures the fiery nature of pearls
Rowan – A botanical name that has a fresh, lively feel
Bellamy – A modern name that has a soft, flowing sound, much like the sheen of pearls
Cleo – A playful, modern name that has become increasingly popular
Ever – A modern, unisex name that captures the timeless nature of pearls
Aria – A modern, musical name that fits well with the elegance of pearls
Unique Names That Mean Pearl from Around the World
These names come from different cultures and languages, offering a unique twist on the classic meaning of “pearl.” Perfect for parents looking for something different yet meaningful, these names have a global appeal that makes them stand out.
Jumana – Arabic for “silver pearl”
Xilma – A unique Basque name meaning “pearl”
Neema – A Swahili name meaning “pearl” or “blessing”
Moti – A Hebrew name meaning “pearl”
Ringo – Japanese for “apple,” but often associated with pearls due to the famous Beatle
Jumana – A common Arabic name meaning “pearl”
Perline – A rare French name meaning “pearl”
Kallista – Greek for “most beautiful,” often associated with the beauty of pearls
Zaynab – An Arabic name meaning “fragrant flower,” but often used to describe pearls
Nayla – Arabic for “successful,” but often associated with the precious nature of pearls
Keshi – Japanese for “poppy,” but often associated with pearls
Lulin – A Chinese name meaning “jade,” but often associated with pearls
Shanelle – A modern name inspired by the famous designer Coco Chanel, who loved pearls
Marjaan – An Arabic name meaning “coral,” but often associated with pearls
Fei – A Chinese name meaning “fly,” but often associated with the lightness of pearls
Tala – A Native American name meaning “wolf,” but often associated with the strength of pearls
Nayla – Arabic for “successful,” but often associated with the precious nature of pearls
Fioralba – An Italian name meaning “flower of dawn,” often associated with pearls
Asa – A Hebrew name meaning “healer,” often associated with the healing properties of pearls
Leocadia – A Spanish name meaning “bright,” often associated with the shine of pearls
Aysel – Turkish for “moonlight,” often associated with the shine of pearls
Caihong – A Chinese name meaning “rainbow,” but often associated with the iridescence of pearls
Ivory – A modern name inspired by the color of pearls
Jocasta – A Greek name meaning “shining moon,” often associated with pearls
Nirvana – A modern name inspired by the state of enlightenment, often associated with the purity of pearls
Pavlina – A Russian name meaning “little one,” often associated with the small size of pearls
Yasmin – An Arabic name meaning “jasmine,” often associated with the fragrance of pearls
Liora – A Hebrew name meaning “light,” often associated with the shine of pearls
Xochitl – A Nahuatl name meaning “flower,” often associated with the beauty of pearls
Shoshana – A Hebrew name meaning “rose,” often associated with the beauty of pearls
Isolde – A Celtic name meaning “ice ruler,” often associated with the cool sheen of pearls
Solange – A French name meaning “solemn,” often associated with the serious beauty of pearls
Soraya – A Persian name meaning “princess,” often associated with the regal nature of pearls
Zuleika – An Arabic name meaning “brilliant beauty,” often associated with the shine of pearls
Anahita – A Persian name meaning “immaculate,” often associated with the purity of pearls
Jovita – A Spanish name meaning “joy,” often associated with the joy of finding a pearl
Lian – A Chinese name meaning “graceful willow,” often associated with the elegance of pearls
Mireille – A French name meaning “to admire,” often associated with the admiration of pearls
Neveah – A modern name meaning “heaven,” often associated with the purity of pearls
Paz – A Spanish name meaning “peace,” often associated with the calmness of pearls
Shakira – An Arabic name meaning “thankful,” often associated with the gratitude for pearls
Teodora – A Greek name meaning “gift of God,” often associated with the preciousness of pearls
Vera – A Russian name meaning “faith,” often associated with the belief in pearls
Zara – A Hebrew name meaning “princess,” often associated with the regal nature of pearls
Adeline – A French name meaning “noble,” often associated with the noble nature of pearls
Celeste – A Latin name meaning “heavenly,” often associated with the purity of pearls
Eleanor – A Greek name meaning “light,” often associated with the shine of pearls
Felicity – A Latin name meaning “happiness,” often associated with the joy of finding a pearl
Imogen – A Celtic name meaning “maiden,” often associated with the purity of pearls
Juliet – A Latin name meaning “youthful,” often associated with the timeless nature of pearls
Lucille – A French name meaning “light,” often associated with the shine of pearls
Margaux – A French name meaning “pearl,” often associated with the preciousness of pearls
Odette – A French name meaning “wealthy,” often associated with the value of pearls
Penelope – A Greek name meaning “weaver,” often associated with the intricate nature of pearls
Quincy – A French name meaning “estate,” often associated with the luxury of pearls
Rosalind – A Latin name meaning “pretty rose,” often associated with the beauty of pearls
Seraphina – A Hebrew name meaning “fiery,” often associated with the fiery nature of pearls
Tatiana – A Russian name meaning “fairy queen,” often associated with the magical nature of pearls
Uma – A Sanskrit name meaning “splendor,” often associated with the beauty of pearls
Valentina – A Latin name meaning “strong,” often associated with the strength of pearls
Winifred – A Welsh name meaning “blessed,” often associated with the blessing of pearls
Xenia – A Greek name meaning “hospitality,” often associated with the welcome of pearls
Yara – A Brazilian name meaning “water lady,” often associated with the water where pearls are found
Zephyr – A Greek name meaning “west wind,” often associated with the gentle nature of pearls
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique names that mean “pearl”?
Unique names that mean “pearl” include Jumana, Xilma, Neema, Moti, and Ringo. These names come from various cultures and languages and offer a fresh take on the classic meaning of “pearl.”
Are there modern names that mean “pearl”?
Yes, several modern names are inspired by pearls, such as Pearla, Lulu, Mikimoto, Akoya, and Jewel. These names provide a contemporary twist on the traditional symbolism of pearls.
What are some traditional names that mean “pearl”?
Traditional names that mean “pearl” include Margaret, Margarita, Pearl, Greta, and Mairead. These names have a timeless appeal and are deeply rooted in history and culture.
Why choose a name that means “pearl”?
Choosing a name that means “pearl” symbolizes beauty, rarity, and grace. Pearls are often associated with endurance and resilience, qualities that many parents wish to imbue in their children.
Are there any boy names that mean “pearl”?
While most pearl-related names are traditionally feminine, names like Moti (Hebrew for “pearl”) can be used for boys. Names inspired by the qualities of pearls, such as Jewel or Lustre, can also be considered for boys.
Conclusion
Choosing a name that means “pearl” can be a beautiful way to honor this gem’s timeless elegance and precious nature. Whether you prefer traditional names, modern takes, or unique international options, a wealth of choices capture the allure and symbolism of pearls. These names reflect beauty and rarity and convey a sense of grace and resilience, much like the pearl itself. As you explore these names, may you find the perfect one that resonates with the qualities you wish to embody in your child.