Cool Baby Names That Start with P

Calm, straightforward, patrician sounding: Pace is one new-style name that's well-grounded.

A lyrical choice with a similar feel to Story and Posy and a similar sound to Penelope. It might refer to either a work of poetry, a collection of poems, or something that is comparable to the beauty often associated with poetry as a form.

Common surname rarely used as a first.

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.

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.

This rare name crosses cultures. With the popularity of Ella and Bella, perhaps we'll hear more of Pella one day soon?

Phelan, pronounced FAY-lan or FEE-lan, is an appealing Irish surname name, with a rich history in Irish myth and religious and secular life. One bearer was a fiercely loyal follower of the legendary warrior Finn MacCool, another was a missionary saint.

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.

Powerful surname choice with many distinguished bearers, fresher sounding than Parker.

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.

Patterson is an upscale name worth considering if you're looking to continue a line of Peters, but soundalike Paterson is a downscale city in New Jersey.

Variation of Pema.

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

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.

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

The name of one of the greatest Western philosophers is often used as a first name in its land of origin, Greece, and would make a really interesting, thought-provoking choice here. It is remembered here as the nickname of the memorable character played by Sal Mineo in the classic film "Rebel Without a Cause."

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.

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.

A popular female name in India, Priti (or Preeti) is a sweet and pretty-sounding option.