Hebrew Names that Start With P

  1. Phineas
    • Origin:

      English, Egyptian
    • Meaning:

      "the Nubian"
    • Description:

      Phineas is the English variation of Phinehas, a Hebrew name likely derived from the Egyptian name Pa-nehasi. Pa-nehasi, meaning "the Nubian" can also be translated as "the bronze-colored one." The Egyptians distinguished themselves from their Nubian neighbors through differences in skin tone.
  2. Peri
    • Origin:

      Greek; Hebrew; Persian
    • Meaning:

      "mountain dweller; fruit; fairy"
    • Description:

      This name used for both sexes in several cultures is quite well used in Israel.
  3. Phinnaeus
    • Origin:

      Variation of Phineas
    • Meaning:

      "oracle"
    • Description:

      Phinnaeus is the antique spelling of the antique name single-handedly revived by Julia Roberts. Finn is the nickname she uses that you might find appealing too.
  4. Paz
    • Origin:

      Hebrew; Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "gold; peace"
    • Description:

      Paz, currently represented by actresses Paz Vega and Paz de la Huerts, would make a sparkling middle name choice. It originated as a title of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Peace, and is one of the names that mean peace, derived from the Latin word "pax".
  5. Pella
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian, diminutive of Petronella, or Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "stone or marvel of God"
    • Description:

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

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "pearl"
    • Description:

      A jewel-encrusted choice, far more unusual than Pearl.
  7. 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.
  8. Pazel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "peace"
    • Description:

      Pazel's abbreviated version, Paz, is far more modern and attractive.
  9. Peniel
    • Origin:

      Biblical place name, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "face of God"
    • Description:

      This rare Biblical place name refers to a river bank in Jordan where Jacob wrestled with an angel and changed his name to Israel.
  10. Poriel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "fruit of God"
    • Description:

      An obscure Hebrew name that would not be many parents' first choice.
  11. Panna
    • Origin:

      Hungarian variation of Anna; Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "grace; emerald, leaf"
    • Description:

      Panna is a name with many allusions — in addition to being a Hungarian variant of Anna (PAWN-naw) and a Hindi gemstone name (PAHN-nah), it is also a serene and sacred city in India and the Italian word for cream (PA-nuh). Panna might make a fresh alternative to Anna or Hannah.
  12. Peretz
    • Description:

      Peretz is a masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'breakthrough' or 'burst forth.' It appears in the Bible as a son of Judah and ancestor in the lineage of King David. The name carries significant cultural importance in Jewish communities, symbolizing perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles. Historically used among Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern European descent, Peretz gained cultural prominence through the influential Yiddish writer I.L. Peretz in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While uncommon in mainstream Western usage, the name maintains steady presence in Jewish communities, particularly among those honoring their heritage. Peretz offers a distinctive sound with its strong consonants and biblical roots, appealing to parents seeking a name with both cultural significance and an uncommon quality in contemporary society.

  13. Palti
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "rescued by God; delivered by God"
    • Description:

      A variation of the Biblical Paltiel, this name was also appears in the name of an Israeli-American folk-pop duo, Ilana & Palti, made up of singer-songwriters Paltiel-hay Jacoby and Ilana Zadok.
  14. Pagiel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God allots"
    • Description:

      Undiscovered, but somewhat awkward Old Testament choice: he was the head of the tribe of Asher.
  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. Pesah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "spared"
    • Description:

      The Hebrew name for Passover, making this the Jewish version of naming your child Christmas or Easter.
  17. Porat
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "fruitful, productive"
    • Description:

      A name that is used to describe a handsome or clever boy, and is also an Israeli place-name.
  18. Paziah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "the gold of Jehovah"
    • Description:

      Often heard in Israel, spelled with or without the final h.