Persé: a female name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pérthō (πέρθω) pérthein (πέρθειν) Pérse (Πέρση),” meaning “to waste, to sack, to slay, ravage, destroy".It derives from the Greek word "pérthō > pérthein > Pérse / Persiída".
Persé has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Greek roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pérthō (πέρθω) pérthein (πέρθειν) Pérse (Πέρση),” meaning “to waste, to sack, to slay, ravage, destroy" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Persé
Quick facts about Persé
Origin
Greek
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Uncommon
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pérthō (πέρθω) pérthein (πέρθειν) Pérse (Πέρση),” meaning “to waste, to sack, to slay, ravage, destroy.” In Greek mythology, Perse is an Oceanid nymph, one of the three thousand daughters of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys, and the wife of the sun god, Helios. Their children are Aeetes, Perses, Pasiphae, and Circe.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
pérthō > pérthein > Pérse / Persiída
How to Pronounce Persé
Persé is pronounced /pɛrˈseɪ/(Greek)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Per-sé
Say it like: "PEHRSEEEH"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Persé is predominantly used in french speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
french
Frequently Asked Questions About Persé
What does the name Persé mean?
Persé means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pérthō (πέρθω) pérthein (πέρθειν) Pérse (Πέρση),” meaning “to waste, to sack, to slay, ravage, destroy.” In Greek mythology, Perse is an Oceanid nymph, one of the three thousand daughters of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys, and the wife of the sun god, Helios. Their children are Aeetes, Perses, Pasiphae, and Circe.". The name comes from pérthō > pérthein > Pérse / Persiída. In its original form, the name derives from pérthō (πέρθω) pérthein (πέρθειν) Pérse (Πέρση) Persiída (Περσηίδα). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Persé for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pérthō (πέρθω) pérthein (πέρθειν) Pérse (Πέρση),” meaning “to waste, to sack, to slay, ravage, destroy.” In Greek mythology, Perse is an Oceanid nymph, one of the three thousand daughters of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys, and the wife of the sun god, Helios. Their children are Aeetes, Perses, Pasiphae, and Circe." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Persé offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like GREEK MYTHOLOGY (NYMPHS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Persé?
Persé is a greek name. The name traces back to pérthō > pérthein > Pérse / Persiída. The original form pérthō (πέρθω) pérthein (πέρθειν) Pérse (Πέρση) Persiída (Περσηίδα) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to french naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pérthō (πέρθω) pérthein (πέρθειν) Pérse (Πέρση),” meaning “to waste, to sack, to slay, ravage, destroy.” In Greek mythology, Perse is an Oceanid nymph, one of the three thousand daughters of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys, and the wife of the sun god, Helios. Their children are Aeetes, Perses, Pasiphae, and Circe." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Persé a boy or girl name?
Persé is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In greek tradition, Persé has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pérthō (πέρθω) pérthein (πέρθειν) Pérse (Πέρση),” meaning “to waste, to sack, to slay, ravage, destroy.” In Greek mythology, Perse is an Oceanid nymph, one of the three thousand daughters of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys, and the wife of the sun god, Helios. Their children are Aeetes, Perses, Pasiphae, and Circe." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Persé?
Persé is pronounced "/pɛrˈseɪ/". This pronunciation follows el language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Persé is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Persé can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root pérthō > pérthein > Pérse / Persiída influences how Persé sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Persé?
Persé is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Persé gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Persé's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pérthō (πέρθω) pérthein (πέρθειν) Pérse (Πέρση),” meaning “to waste, to sack, to slay, ravage, destroy.” In Greek mythology, Perse is an Oceanid nymph, one of the three thousand daughters of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys, and the wife of the sun god, Helios. Their children are Aeetes, Perses, Pasiphae, and Circe." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Persé holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Persé commonly used?
Persé is used primarily in french naming traditions. Though greek in origin, Persé found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pérthō (πέρθω) pérthein (πέρθειν) Pérse (Πέρση),” meaning “to waste, to sack, to slay, ravage, destroy.” In Greek mythology, Perse is an Oceanid nymph, one of the three thousand daughters of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys, and the wife of the sun god, Helios. Their children are Aeetes, Perses, Pasiphae, and Circe." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Persé into their naming traditions. A child named Persé will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Persé is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Persé?
Persé carries associations with GREEK MYTHOLOGY (NYMPHS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pérthō (πέρθω) pérthein (πέρθειν) Pérse (Πέρση),” meaning “to waste, to sack, to slay, ravage, destroy.” In Greek mythology, Perse is an Oceanid nymph, one of the three thousand daughters of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys, and the wife of the sun god, Helios. Their children are Aeetes, Perses, Pasiphae, and Circe." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Persé originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Persé sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Persé often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In french communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.