Meaning unknown, probably of Pre-Greek origin, but perhaps related to Greek
περθω (pertho) "to destroy" and
φονη (phone) "murder". In Greek myth she was the daughter of
Demeter and
Zeus. She was abducted to the underworld by
Hades, but was eventually allowed to return to the surface for part of the year. The result of her comings and goings is the changing of the seasons.