How to say it
PIERCE
pɪərs
Masculine
Pierce
Rock
What it means
An English form of Piers, a medieval version of Peter, from the Greek for 'rock.'
Pierce grew from Piers, the medieval English form of Peter, from the Greek petros, 'rock.' Long a surname, it became a sleek, polished first name, carried with charm by actor Pierce Brosnan. Sharp and confident in one syllable. Said PEERS.
How to spell Pierce
The standard spelling is Pierce. Common variants include Piers, Pearce, Pierson, but Pierce is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #394 in 1886, currently #505 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Spelling
From Piers, a medieval form of Peter.
- Pop culture
Actor Pierce Brosnan.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Pierce Brosnan Irish actor who played James Bond in four films
- Franklin Pierce 14th president of the United States, whose surname popularized the given name
Spelling variants
- Piers
- Pearce
- Pierson
Names with the same feeling
See Pierce from another angle
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Pierce mean?
- An English form of Piers, a medieval version of Peter, from the Greek for 'rock.'
- What does Pierce mean in English?
- In English, Pierce means "Rock." Pierce grew from Piers, the medieval English form of Peter, from the Greek petros, 'rock.' Long a surname, it became a sleek, polished first name, carried with charm by actor Pierce Brosnan. Sharp and confident in one syllable. Said PEERS.
- How do you pronounce Pierce?
- Pierce is pronounced pɪərs. Say it as PIERCE, with the stress on the "pierce" syllable.
- How do you spell Pierce?
- The standard spelling is Pierce. Common spelling variants include Piers, Pearce, Pierson.
- Is Pierce a boy or girl name?
- Pierce is traditionally a masculine name.
- How popular is the name Pierce?
- Pierce ranked #505 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.