“Perrier” can mean a few different things depending on context, but most people know it as the brand name of a French naturally carbonated mineral water from Vergèze in southern France.

Main meanings of “Perrier”

  • As a brand name , Perrier refers to a specific mineral water that is naturally carbonated and sold worldwide; in casual speech, some people use “a Perrier” to mean any sparkling mineral water.
  • As a French surname/toponymic name , Perrier comes from Old French “perriere,” meaning “stone quarry” or “place where stones are found,” originally referring to someone who lived or worked near a quarry.
  • In older English usage , “perrier” (from French “pierre,” stone) could mean a stone-throwing engine or short mortar used historically to throw stones or light shot.

Quick usage examples

  • “Could I have a Perrier with lemon?” → asking for the bottled sparkling water.
  • “The family name Perrier is common in parts of France with stone quarries.” → using it as a French surname tied to the “stone quarry” meaning.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.