Spanish Names that Start With P

Paloma is vibrant and ruby-lipped a la jewelry designer Paloma Picasso, but it also suggests peace, as symbolized by the dove. Paloma is a highly recommended striking but soft name, one of the best of the names that mean peace and girls' names starting with P.

The fact that this Spanish classic, which honors the Virgin Mary, does not end in the conventional letter 'a' gives it a special sense of strength, elegance, and style, making it a worthy choice.

Pablo, the commonly used Spanish version of Paul, has the added bonus of some fantastic artistic bearers: painter Picasso, cellist Casals, and poet Neruda. Pablo has been consistently in the US charts since records began, and has been within the Top 500 since the mid 60s. However, Pablo has never cracked the Top 200, making it familiar but not overused or tired.

Too tightly tied to the acronym for the activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Consistently popular Latina gem name; good choice for those who can't shake Pearl's grandmotherly vibe.

Pedro is one of the most familiar Spanish names for boys, via baseball star Pedro Rodriguez and many others.

Another winning and relaxed but energetic o-ending Latin name, sometimes associated with designer Paco Rabanne.

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

More stylish than either Paula or Pauline, it was given a glamour gloss by model Paulina Porizkova in the nineties.

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.

When properly pronounced, has an alluring sound and harmonious meaning.

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.

Pancho is a bit more problematic than such similar names as Pablo and Paco because of the Pancho Villa association.

Pazel's abbreviated version, Paz, is far more modern and attractive.

Shakespeare's Tempest has kept the name Prospero alive.

A worthy honoree that would place a too-heavy expectation on a child, probably subjecting him to ridicule. Try Pablo instead.

Pamelia is a feminine name with Greek origins, representing an elaborate variation of Pamela, which was created by Sir Philip Sidney for his 16th-century pastoral romance 'Arcadia.' The name is derived from Greek elements meaning 'all honey' or 'all sweetness.' This ornate version with the extra syllable gives the name a more formal, antique quality that evokes Victorian elegance. Pamelia enjoyed modest popularity in the 19th century and early 20th century but has since become quite rare, making it an uncommon vintage choice. The name carries associations of classic femininity and literary romance. For parents drawn to historical names with a touch of elaboration, Pamelia offers the familiarity of Pamela with a distinctive traditional twist that sets it apart from more common revival names.

Paciano is an appealing twist on all the newly fashionable names that suggest peace.

Although Pallas was a goddess, a noted male bearer of this name was Saint Palladius, the first Christian bishop of Ireland, and the name has an appealing swagger.

Priscila is a variant spelling of Priscilla, a name with Latin origins meaning 'ancient' or 'venerable.' This single-L spelling is more common in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries. The name carries biblical significance as Priscilla appears in the New Testament as an early Christian who, along with her husband Aquila, was a friend and supporter of the apostle Paul. Priscila has a graceful, feminine quality with its flowing sounds and classical roots. While the traditional Priscilla peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1940s, Priscila offers a slightly more modern and international feel. The name suggests elegance and dignity while remaining approachable with nicknames like Prissy, Cila, or Cilla.