47 Variations of Peter

Peter is one of the classic if not fashionable baby names that may be more appealing in one of its international variations.
  1. Peter
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "rock, stone"
    • Description:

      Peter is derived from the Greek Petros, meaning "rock" or "stone." One of the most important figures in the Christian hagiography is Saint Peter, keeper of the Gates of Heaven. Born Simon bar Jonah, he was given the nickname Peter by Jesus, to signify that he would be the rock on which Christ would build Christianity. Centuries later, there was Peter the Great, the czar who developed Russia as a major European power.
  2. Pierre
    • Origin:

      French variation of Peter
    • Meaning:

      "rock, stone"
    • Description:

      One of the most familiar — if not stereotypical — Gallic names. Pierre was a Top 5 name in France from the 19th century through 1940 and is now on a steady decline in its native land. In the US, Pierre was most common in the 1980s but it has never cracked the Top 300.
  3. Pedro
    • Origin:

      Spanish; Portuguese variation of Peter, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "rock, stone"
    • Description:

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

      Italian variation of Peter
    • Description:

      Yet another winning international form of Peter.
  5. Piero
    • Origin:

      Italian, variation of Peter
    • Meaning:

      "rock"
    • Description:

      Piero is elegant, melodic, appealing. Just picture the muted frescoes of Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca.
  6. Piotr
    • Origin:

      Russian, Polish, Belarusian
    • Meaning:

      "rock"
    • Description:

      A variant transcription of Russian Pyotr, and also the Polish and Belarusian form of Peter, classic and still very popular there.
  7. Pekka
    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Peter, English from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "rock"
    • Description:

      The Finnish form of Peter was most common in its culture of origin in the 1950s and '60s.
  8. Peder
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Peter
    • Description:

      Peder? You mean Peter? You'll have to do a lot of spelling and explaining of this one.
  9. Peder
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Peter
    • Description:

      Peder? You mean Peter? You'll have to do a lot of spelling and explaining of this one.
  10. Peadar
    • Description:

      Peadar is the Irish Gaelic form of Peter, a masculine name with ancient roots. Derived ultimately from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'stone' or 'rock,' Peadar carries the same powerful symbolism of steadfastness and reliability. In Irish culture, the name has been used for centuries and is pronounced approximately as 'PAD-er' or 'PAY-der.' Peadar reflects Ireland's rich linguistic heritage and offers a distinctive Celtic alternative to the more common Peter. While especially meaningful for those with Irish ancestry, the name has a melodic quality and unique spelling that might appeal to parents seeking something traditional yet uncommon. In Ireland, it connects to the country's strong Catholic tradition, as Peter was the first pope.
  11. Pello
    • Origin:

      Greek and Basque
    • Meaning:

      "stone"
    • Description:

      Creative variation on Peter.
  12. Pieter
    • Description:

      Pieter is a masculine name of Dutch and Germanic origin, serving as the Dutch and Afrikaans variant of Peter. Derived from the Greek name Petros, meaning 'rock' or 'stone,' it conveys qualities of strength, reliability, and steadfastness. The name has deep historical roots throughout Northern Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, Belgium, and South Africa. Pieter has been borne by notable figures including the renowned Dutch painters Pieter Bruegel and Pieter Mondrian. While traditional in its home regions, the name maintains consistent popularity rather than experiencing dramatic trends. Pieter offers a distinctive European alternative to the more common Peter, retaining the same strong meaning while providing a touch of continental sophistication.
  13. Petro
    • Description:

      Petro is a masculine name with Slavic and Greek origins, serving as a variant of Peter, which derives from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' Particularly popular in Ukrainian, Russian, and other Eastern European cultures, Petro maintains strong connections to its biblical roots, as Peter was one of Jesus's twelve apostles. The name carries a sense of strength and steadfastness, reflecting its literal meaning. While less common in English-speaking countries, Petro offers a distinctive international flavor while remaining relatively easy to pronounce and spell. Its short, powerful sound gives it a robust quality that parents seeking a name with historical depth and cross-cultural appeal might appreciate.
  14. Pyotr
    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Peter
    • Description:

      For Americans, may prove too much of a twist on Peter.
  15. Panos
    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Panagiotis
    • Meaning:

      "all holy"
    • Description:

      This is a straightforward choice for parents looking to honor their Greek ancestry.
  16. Petya
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Pyotr, Russian, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "stone"
    • Description:

      A diminutive of the Russian form of Peter, used on a character in Leo Tolstoy's novel, War and Peace. In Bulgaria, it is used as a feminine name.
  17. Peidearan
    • Description:

      Peidearan is a traditional masculine Scottish Gaelic name, representing a variant of Peter. It derives from the ancient Greek 'Petros,' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' This distinctively Gaelic spelling maintains the original meaning while embracing Scottish linguistic traditions. Primarily found in the Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland, Peidearan remains relatively rare even within Scotland. The pronunciation typically follows Gaelic patterns, approximately 'PEH-duh-run.' While uncommon in broader usage, the name carries deep cultural significance within Gaelic-speaking communities, representing both Christian heritage and Scottish identity. For families with Scottish Highland ancestry, Peidearan offers a meaningful connection to linguistic and cultural roots.

  18. Pietr
    • Description:

      Pietr is a masculine name of Slavic and Eastern European origin, representing a variant form of Peter. The name derives from the Greek 'Petros', meaning 'rock' or 'stone', symbolizing strength and steadfastness. This variation is primarily found in Polish, Czech, and other Slavic languages, though spelling may vary slightly between cultures (Piotr in Polish, for example). Pietr carries the distinguished history of its root name—Peter being one of Christianity's most important apostles—while offering a distinctive Eastern European flair. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, it provides an intriguing alternative for parents seeking a name with both biblical connections and Slavic heritage. Its short, strong sound combines tradition with a touch of international sophistication.
  19. Petr
    • Description:

      Petr is the Czech, Slovak, and Eastern European variant of Peter, derived from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' This masculine name carries significant historical and cultural weight throughout Eastern Europe, particularly in the Czech Republic and surrounding regions. While maintaining the same essential meaning and roots as the more familiar Peter, Petr has a distinctive Slavic character with its concise spelling and pronunciation. The name has remained consistently popular in Eastern European countries for centuries, connected to numerous notable historical figures, artists, and athletes from these regions. Petr combines strength and reliability in its meaning with a certain international sophistication. For families with Czech, Slovak or Eastern European heritage, Petr offers a way to honor cultural roots while using a name that remains pronounceable in many countries.

  20. Per
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Peter
    • Description:

      So simple, yet so unique: a prime candidate for export. Pronunciation is like the English pair or pear.