Persis is a name of Persian origin, meaning "to persevere" or "to endure". It is derived from the Middle Persian name Pērōz, which was popular among the Zoroastrian community in ancient Persia. The name has been associated with strength and resilience throughout history.
In the 19th century, Persis gained popularity as a female given name due to its use in several works of literature. In Mary Shelley's novel "The Last Man" (1826), one of the main characters is named Persina, which is an alternative spelling of Persis. Additionally, in Charlotte Brontë's novel "Jane Eyre" (1847), the character John Reed has a sister named Persis.
Today, Persis remains a rare but distinctive name choice for girls. Its meaning and historical significance make it a compelling option for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their daughter. Despite its rarity, Persis is not considered an outdated or archaic name, as it continues to be used occasionally in various cultures around the world.
The name Persis experienced varied popularity over time, with notable peaks and valleys. From 1884 to 1924, the number of births fluctuated between 5 and 19 annually. However, there was a significant decline in usage from 1925 onwards, with less than 10 births per year until 1961, except for peaks in 1937 (11 births) and 1980-1981 (both 8 births). Since then, the name has only occasionally appeared among birth records, with a total of 567 recorded births over this extensive period.