Fun Facts About the Name Pembroke
- 5 babies named Pembroke: U.S. records list 5 babies given the name Pembroke from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Pembroke Mean?
Pembroke is an English form of the Welsh place name Penfro. It is usually explained as pen, "head," joined to bro, "land" or "region," so its literal sense is "head of the land" or "head of the region." The name is often rendered more loosely as "headland" or "land's end," a customary interpretation of a place at the head of a coastal inlet rather than a separate etymology.
The second element appears as -fro in Welsh because of soft mutation; the English Pembroke preserves the underlying bro in anglicized form. Despite its resemblance to English brook, the name is not derived from that word.
Pembroke Name History & Origins
The name belongs first to the town of Pembroke in southwest Wales, called Penfro in Welsh. Pembroke Castle was founded there in 1093 during the Anglo-Norman advance into Wales, and the earldom of Pembroke was created in 1138. The title gave the place name prominence in the Anglo-Norman world; William Marshal, who became earl in 1199, was one of its best-known holders.
From the town and the earldom came the English surname Pembroke, used by people who had connections with the place or the lordship. As a first name, Pembroke is a transferred surname. Its given-name history therefore depends on the surname rather than on an independent medieval given-name tradition.
How Popular is the Name Pembroke?
Pembroke has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 1887. Its best rank was #1,031 in 1887.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1887 | #1,031 | 5 | 0.0049% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
Most Popular Boy Names That Start with P
How the Name Pembroke Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You have a power of expression, either in speaking or writing. You are in favor for studying and research. You are clever, clear-sighted and intellectual. You don't like to let others know your true feelings. You might be atheistic or agnostic. You have an eventful, exciting life. You are versatile and have the ability to learn easily.
Dependable, very down-to-earth and well grounded, you are always looking for meaningful work, a career where you can take pride in your work and do the best job you are capable of. Your prime desire is to build protected and secure environment at home and at work. You can be very persuasive in achieving goals and gaining objectives. You can be very detailed and well-organized and possess great organizational skills. At times you may appear too stubborn and overly critical to others, but your practical approach to life and productivity makes you one of the most beneficent members of community.
✦ Pembroke's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Pembroke's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.