This Dutch name stems from the Greek root word "philos" meaning "love". It is relatively common in the Netherlands.

Parrish is unrelated — but often said to be related — to the English word "parish". Instead, the surname arose as a designator for one who lived in Paris.

Placido was commonly used by early Christians to convey their serenity in the faith, and it was borne by several minor saints.

A grassy place with trees is a nice image to attach to a name.

Phyllida, a "Masterpiece Theatre"-style appellation, seems far fresher and more unusual than Phyllis. It's green-related meaning makes it one of the prime names that mean new beginnings.

The name Persia derives from Avestan Parsa, the name of the Indo-European nomadic people who migrated into southern Iran in about 1000 BCE. Persis or Persea, the feminine form of Perseus, feel more namelike.

Common surname rarely used as a first.

A handful of baby girls were named Poem in the US in the most recent year, along with Poet and Poetry. But of course, these word names can work for boys too.

In British slang, a "prat" is an idiot -- enough said.

This Hindu goddess name is very popular in India. The goddess of love, fertility and devotion, representing female force, Parvati is the wife of Shiva and the mother of Ganesh. There is a Harry Potter character named Parvati Patil, a twin sister of Padma..

This sassy, spunky name was used for the mostly Irish jump-roping pigtailed girls of the thirties and forties -- and some Irish and Italian boys as well. Its most noted bearer was iconic country music singer Patsy Cline (born Virginia), and was sighted most recently in the Ab Fab movie. After reaching Number 52 in the late thirties, it dropped off the list completely in 1970--and we're not anticipating a return.

The name Parson might have seemed ridiculous even a few years ago, but when Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe named their son Deacon, they opened up a whole new field of ecclesiastical cool. Bishop, Priest, and Pastor are other possibilities.

There are two lovely Portlands, in Maine and Oregon, but not many babies with their name.

The field of nature names is constantly expanding to include all species of flowers and trees and animals and birds and even fish. In addition to its appeal for anglers, Pike recalls Zebulon Pike, the explorer who discovered and gave his name to Pike's Peak.

Pompeo is a masculine name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin name 'Pompeius,' which was a Roman family name. Historically, it's associated with the ancient Roman general Pompey the Great (Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus). The name carries connotations of strength, leadership, and classical heritage. In modern times, Pompeo functions primarily as a surname in Italian communities, though it occasionally appears as a first name. It gained some recognition in the United States through public figures like former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and actress Ellen Pompeo. The name has a melodic quality with its strong 'o' sounds and projects an air of sophistication and classical education.

Peace may be an admirable sentiment to convey in a child's name, but the translated and thus more subtle versions, like Pax or Placido, might work better as first names.

Padgett is an occupational surname name related to page, meaning not a page in a book but a page or attendant in the Senate or a royal court.

This rare English surname's most famous bearers are Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie: the four siblings who are the protagonists of C. S. Lewis' Narnia books. It probably derives from Pevensey, the name of the bay in East Sussex, England where William the Conqueror landed in 1066.

Variation of Pema.

Penzance is a port town at the very tip of Cornwall. With its associations with operetta and pirates, Penzance packs quite a bit of zip for a name.