An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The point in the orbit of a body revolving around the Earth at which it is nearest to the Earth; opposite of → apogee.

Etymology (EN): From Fr. périgée, from L. perigæum, from Gk. perigaion “near of the earth,”
from → per- “near” + gaia/ge “earth.”

Etymology (PE): Pirâzam, from pirâ-, → peri-, + Av. zam- “the earth,” Mid.Pers. zamig, Mod.Pers. zami, zamin “the earth;” cf. Skt. ksam, Gk. khthôn, khamai “on the ground,” L. homo “earthly being” and humus “the earth” (as in homo sapiens or homicide, humble, humus, exhume);
PIE root *dh(e)ghom “earth”.