Boy Dog Names That Start With P

  1. Panda
    • Origin:

      Animal name
    • Meaning:

      "bamboo eater"
    • Description:

      With Bear and Fox becoming hot baby names, why not Panda? Why not indeed. Both the name and its animal namesake are adorable. And Pan is a nickname right in line with the mythological name trend. The word panda comes from the Nepali word ponya, meaning "bamboo eater" for the panda's favorite food.
  2. Pace
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

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

      Nature name
    • Description:

      Worthy sibling for Oak, Elm, Juniper, and Spruce.
  4. Pollux
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "crown"
    • Description:

      Castor's twin in the constellation Gemini. That final x makes this name modern and cool.
  5. Philippe
    • Origin:

      French variation of Philip
    • Meaning:

      "lover of horses"
    • Description:

      Philippe, pronounced fill-EEP, is Philip with Gallic flair.
  6. Pascoe
    • Origin:

      Cornish variation of Pascal
    • Meaning:

      "Easter"
    • Description:

      Pascoe was popular in medieval times and is definitely deserving of revival, especially for a child born in the Easter season. Other spellings are Pasco and Pascow.
  7. Princeton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "princely town"
    • Description:

      This uppity name has been a fast climber in recent years, but we still think it's a bit much. Even abroad, where the connection to the prestigious university will be weaker, any name beginning with "Prince" will sound pretentious.
  8. Pat
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Patrick
    • Meaning:

      "noble, patrician"
    • Description:

      As seen on SNL, Pat is the ultimate androgynous name. Stick with long form Patrick, and make sure everyone calls him Patrick.
  9. Petey
    • Description:

      Petey is a masculine name traditionally used as an affectionate diminutive of Peter, which derives from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' This nickname-as-given-name carries a boyish charm and friendly approachability that extends into adulthood. While more common in the mid-20th century, Petey has decreased in formal usage but remains enduring as a nickname. The name evokes a nostalgic Americana quality, bringing to mind simpler times and friendly neighborhood characters. Though informal in nature, some parents choose Petey as a given name for its unpretentious warmth and inviting sound. The name has occasional pop culture references, including the cartoon character Petey Piranha from Mario games, which may influence contemporary associations for younger generations.
  10. Polo
    • Origin:

      Tibetan
    • Meaning:

      "brave wanderer"
    • Description:

      If Portia can become Porsche, then Apollo can morph into Polo -- the imprint of designer Ralph Lauren.
  11. Parnell
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "little Peter"
    • Description:

      Likable choice for history-minded parents who might want to honor Irish patriot Charles Parnell.
  12. Primo
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "first"
    • Description:

      Primo is number one among the Latin birth-order names--Octavius et al--and the one most likely to be used in these days of smaller families. It has that jaunty 'o' ending and Italian flavor that many modern parents like so much. And what little boy wouldn't appreciate being prime?
  13. Paz
    • Origin:

      Hebrew; Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "gold; peace"
    • Description:

      Paz is an appealing Spanish name meaning "peace", derived from the Latin "pax". It's usually feminine in Spanish, but could also make an interesting literary choice for a boy, honoring the writer Octavio Paz.
  14. Perkins
    • Description:

      Perkins is an uncommon masculine given name that originated as an English surname. It developed as a patronymic form meaning 'son of Peter' or 'son of Piers,' with the '-kins' suffix being a diminutive form. While primarily encountered as a family name, Perkins occasionally appears as a first name, often representing a family surname passed down as a given name—a practice common in certain American and British traditions. The name carries a distinguished, somewhat preppy quality that evokes associations with New England heritage. As a first name, Perkins has never achieved widespread popularity, remaining a rare choice that stands out for its distinctiveness. It may appeal to parents looking for a traditional surname-style name with historical roots and a slightly formal, established character.

  15. Pinchas
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "dark-skinned"
    • Description:

      Famous violinist-conductor Pinchas Zuckerman is the most famous modern bearer; the biblical Pinchas was the son of Eleazar and the grandson of Aaron -- both preferable name choices.
  16. Pyramus
    • Origin:

      Greek mythological name
    • Description:

      Though the name of his great tragic love Thisbe remains in modern use, that of her paramour Pyramus, a young Babylonian, has all but disappeared.
  17. Pepe
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of JosÉ
    • Description:

      Le Pew. We don't think so, although it's a megacommon nickname name in Latino countries.
  18. Poet
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Poet is a new entry in both the trendy word and occupational categories as well as a member of the growing group of gender neutral names. A handful of baby boys received the name in the US last year. A perfect choice, especially in the middle, for the child of writers or those with a poetic bent. And Po is an adorable nickname for either gender.
  19. Pirate
    • Origin:

      English word name from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "to attempt, attack"
    • Description:

      A bold new word name that conjures up images of peg-legs and eyepatches. It was brought to national attention by pop musician Billie Eilish, whose full name is Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell.
  20. Ponce
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "fifth"
    • Description:

      Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon may be a worthy namesake, but "poncey" is British slang for effeminate. An alternative might be Quintus, this name's Latin equivalent, or one of its variations.

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