The name Perry traces its origins to the Old English word "pær", meaning "pear tree". This suggests that the name may have initially been an occupational surname used to refer to someone who grew or sold pears. The spelling of the name evolved over time, with variations such as "Perie" and "Perrie" also being used.

In the Middle Ages, the name Perry was relatively common in England, particularly in regions known for pear cultivation, such as Kent and the West Midlands. It was also found in parts of Scotland and Ireland, likely introduced by English settlers or through trade and cultural exchange.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Perry can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists individuals with variations of the name, such as "Peri" and "Perie". This suggests that the name was already in use before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Perry. One of the earliest was Sir Thomas Perry (c. 1350-1418), an English knight who fought in the Hundred Years' War and was awarded lands in Cambridgeshire for his service.

In the 16th century, George Perry (c. 1510-1590) was an English composer and organist who served in the Chapel Royal during the reigns of Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I.

During the American Revolutionary War, Oliver Hazard Perry (1785-1819) was a naval officer who achieved fame for his victory over the British in the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813. His famous quote, "We have met the enemy and they are ours," has become a part of American folklore.

In the realm of literature, Nora Perry (1832-1911) was an Irish-American novelist and poet who wrote under the pen name "Nora Acheson". Her works often explored themes of Irish identity and the immigrant experience.

More recently, Steve Perry (born 1949) is an American singer and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Journey. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 for his contributions to music.