What Does the Name Pernille Mean?
Pernille is a girl's name of Scandinavian (Danish/Norwegian) origin meaning “little rock / stone.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Pernille |
|---|---|
| Gender | female |
| Origin | Scandinavian (Danish/Norwegian) |
| Meaning | little rock / stone |
| Variants | Petronella, Pernilla, Petronille, Nille |
| Popularity | A traditional and common name in Denmark and Norway. |
The meaning and origin of Pernille
The name Pernille means “little rock / stone” and has Scandinavian (Danish/Norwegian) origins. A Danish and Norwegian short form of Petronilla, a Roman name derived from Petronius, related to Latin petra 'rock, stone'. Tied to Saint Petronilla.
Variants and related names
Pernille is related to several other names you may recognize: Petronella, Pernilla, Petronille, Nille. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Pernille?
A traditional and common name in Denmark and Norway.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Pernille mean?+
The name Pernille means “little rock / stone” and is of Scandinavian (Danish/Norwegian) origin.
What is the origin of the name Pernille?+
Pernille originates from Scandinavian (Danish/Norwegian).
Is Pernille a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Pernille has trended in the US over time.
Pernille by gender
More girl's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press