Girl name · Latin
Perpetua
“perpetual, unceasing”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Perpetua.
Explore Perpetua further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Perpetua — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Perpetua is the Latin adjective for continuous or unbroken. Vibia Perpetua was martyred at Carthage in 203 and left a prison diary that survives — one of the earliest texts by a woman in Latin, and unusual for being in her own voice rather than a hagiographer's.
She is named in the Roman Canon of the Mass alongside Felicity, which kept both names in Catholic circulation for eighteen centuries. Neither has ever ranked in the US.
Etta is the short form that makes it wearable. Four syllables want one (Perpetua Jane, Perpetua Wren). On our vibe map it is Dark Academia with Heirloom roots.
More Latin names
Perpetua sits in our Latin set — these share its roots.
All Latin names →Perpetua — common questions
Is Perpetua a boy or girl name?
Perpetua is traditionally a girl name of Latin origin.
What does the name Perpetua mean?
Perpetua means “perpetual, unceasing” of Latin origin. Perpetua is the Latin adjective for continuous or unbroken. Vibia Perpetua was martyred at Carthage in 203 and left a prison diary that survives — one of the earliest texts by a woman in Latin, and unusual for being in her own voice rather than a hagiographer's.
Where does the name Perpetua come from?
Perpetua is Latin in origin. She is named in the Roman Canon of the Mass alongside Felicity, which kept both names in Catholic circulation for eighteen centuries. Neither has ever ranked in the US.
What are common nicknames for Perpetua?
Etta and Pet — the short-forms parents most often use for Perpetua.
How popular is Perpetua?
Perpetua did not make the top 1,000 girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Perpetua you might want for the nursery.