Fun Facts About the Name Peretz
- 154 babies named Peretz: U.S. records list 154 babies given the name Peretz from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Peretz Mean?
Peretz is a Hebrew name meaning "breach" or "breakthrough." It comes from the Hebrew noun peretz (פֶּרֶץ), derived from the verb paratz (פָּרַץ), "to break through" or "burst forth." The literal sense is a gap or opening made by breaking through; "breakthrough" is a customary interpretation built on that same image, not a separate etymology.
In Genesis 38:29 the name is explained by the midwife's words at the birth of Tamar's twin: "What a breach you have made for yourself!" The Hebrew form is Peretz; English Bibles usually spell the name Perez.
Peretz Name History & Origins
Peretz is the Hebrew form of the name borne by a son of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38. The same figure appears in the genealogies of the book of Ruth as an ancestor of King David, and the name is included in the New Testament genealogies of Jesus (Matthew 1:3; Luke 3:33).
The Hebrew name was transliterated into Greek as Phares (Φάρες) and passed into Latin as Phares. Older English Bibles often use Pharez, while modern English Bibles generally use Perez. The spelling Peretz follows the Hebrew pronunciation directly and is used as a given name in Hebrew and in Jewish usage.
How Popular is the Name Peretz?
Peretz 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 2016. Its best rank was #5,723 in 2016.
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 | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #6,071 | 15 | 0.0009% |
| 2024 | #8,138 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 2023 | #10,514 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2022 | #7,615 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 2021 | #5,956 | 15 | 0.0009% |
| 2019 | #9,522 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 2018 | #11,787 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2017 | #7,986 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 2016 | #5,723 | 16 | 0.0008% |
| 2015 | #6,223 | 14 | 0.0007% |
| 2014 | #11,768 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2013 | #8,594 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2012 | #10,479 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2011 | #8,594 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2007 | #11,991 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1987 | #7,831 | 5 | 0.0003% |
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.
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How the Name Peretz 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.
You desire to inspire and lead, to control other's affairs. You are giving, courageous and bold, action oriented,energetic and strong willed. You want to make a difference in the world, and this attitude often attracts you to cultural interests, politics, social issues, and the cultivation of your creative talents.
✦ Peretz's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Peretz's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.