indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Gender Feminine
Usage French, English, Literature, Medieval French
Other Forms FormsPerrenelle, Petronelle, Pernelle
Meaning & History
Old French form of Petronilla borne by Perenelle Flamel (1320-1402), wife and fellow alchemist of Nicolas Flamel. They are known for their quest to discover the philosopher's stone, a legendary substance said to turn any metal into gold and to make its owner immortal.Today, Perenelle is most commonly known for her mention in J.K. Rowling's fantasy novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, in which she and her husband have succeeded in creating the stone and have lived to be in their mid 600s.