Peter

Also spelled: Piotr, Pierre, Pedro, Pietro, Petr, Pekka, Peder

Peter · Pierre (French) · Pedro (Spanish, Portuguese) · Pietro (Italian) · Piotr (Polish) · Petr (Czech, Russian) · Pekka (Finnish) · Peder (Danish, Norwegian)

Pronunciation: PEE-ter

♂ Male

Ancient Greek, Greek

Appears in:

Vintage Names

Biblical Names

Meaning

rock, stone

Origin

Ancient Greek

About Peter

The name Peter carries an undeniable weight and history, rooted in the ancient Greek word for "rock" or "stone." It’s a name that feels both strong and serious, yet approachable, thanks to its enduring presence across centuries and cultures. Parents drawn to Peter often appreciate its classic, steadfast nature and its deep Biblical associations, particularly with Saint Peter, considered the rock upon which the Christian church was built. Unlike many ancient names, Peter has never truly faded from popularity, maintaining a consistent, well-loved status from the Renaissance through to contemporary times. This makes it a rare choice that feels both utterly timeless and universally recognized, without being overly trendy or esoteric.

Quick Facts

- Pronunciation: PEE-ter - Popular in: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Ireland, Austria, Greece - Common nicknames: Piotr, Pierre, Pedro, Pietro, Petr, Pekka, Peder

Popularity & Trends

Rarity:

Common

Trend:Classic

Peak decade:1950s

Era:Biblical / Early Christian, Medieval, Renaissance, Victorian, Early 1900s, Mid-century, Contemporary

Popular in:United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Ireland, Austria, Greece

Popularity Trends

Is Peter Right for Your Baby?

Peter is a Strong, Classic, Serious name for boys that suits parents looking for something classic and well-established. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

Syllables2

LengthMedium

International UseGlobal

PronunciationEasy

Cultural Associations

Biblical / Christian

Regions Where Peter Is Used

Romance / Latin

Slavic

Germanic

Anglo-Saxon / British

Greek / Hellenic

Name Vibe

Strong

Classic

Serious

Famous People Named Peter

Saint Peter (Apostle of Jesus Christ)
Peter the Great (Emperor of Russia)
Peter Jackson (New Zealand film director)
Peter O'Toole (Irish actor)
Peter Sellers (English comedian and actor)

Nicknames & Short Forms

Pete

Pete

Peter in different fonts

PeterDancing Script

PeterCaveat

PeterSatisfy

PeterPacifico

PeterGreat Vibes

Names Similar to Peter

Names with a similar meaning or feel:

Rocco Stone

Sibling Name Style

If you like Peter, you might also like names with these styles:

Classic

Biblical

Found in these lists

Saint Kitts and Nevis Boy Names

Irish & Celtic Names

Traditional Slovakia Names

Traditional British Names

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Boy Names

Traditional Slovenia Names

Traditional Malaysian Names

Frequently Asked Questions About Peter

What is the origin of the name Peter?

Peter originates from Ancient Greek, meaning "rock" or "stone."

Is Peter a popular name today?

While consistently used, Peter has a classic, enduring popularity across many countries rather than being a fleeting trend.

What does Peter mean?

Peter means "rock, stone". It is derived from Ancient Greek.

What is the origin of Peter?

Peter originates from Ancient Greek, Greek. Its cultural origin is Ancient Greek.

Is Peter a male or female name?

Peter is a male name.

How do you pronounce Peter?

Peter is pronounced "PEE-ter".

What language does Peter come from?

Peter comes from Ancient Greek, Greek.

Is Peter a popular name?

Peter is considered a common name, and its popularity trend is classic.

What are variants of Peter?

Variants of Peter include Piotr, Pierre, Pedro, Pietro, Petr, Pekka, Peder.

What are nicknames for Peter?

Common nicknames for Peter include Pete.

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