Perica (Serbian: Перица, Serbo-Croatian pronunciation: [peˈritsa]) is a Croat and Serb given name, used mostly for men but also for women. It is also prevalent as a surname. Perica is a diminutive of Petar or Petra, translating to Pete and Peter, or Petra in English, respectively.[1]
In Croatian and Serbian popular culture Perica often portrays a stereotype of an innocent or mischievous young boy with a very straightforward way of thinking. An example is Perica Šafranek in the 1970 classic Croatian (then Yugoslav) comedy film Tko pjeva zlo ne misli. He is common in jokes and is similar to Little Johnny in English.