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47 Variations of Peter

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
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. Pietro

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Peter, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "rock, stone"

    • Description:

      Yet another winning international form of Peter.
  4. 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.
  5. Pieter

    • Origin:

      Dutch, German, and Afrikaans variation of Peter, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "rock, stone"

    • Description:

      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.
  6. Pyotr

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Peter

    • Description:

      For Americans, may prove too much of a twist on Peter.
  7. Bedros

    • Description:

      Bedros is an Armenian masculine name derived from the Greek name Petros, which means 'rock' or 'stone.' It is the Armenian variation of Peter, carrying the same biblical significance as it refers to the apostle Peter, whom Jesus called the rock upon which he would build his church. Popular throughout Armenia and Armenian diaspora communities, Bedros has remained a traditional choice that honors Armenian heritage while connecting to broader Christian traditions. The name often symbolizes strength, reliability, and steadfastness. While primarily used in Armenian families, it has spread to other cultures through migration and cultural exchange.

  8. Petru

    • Origin:

      Romanian form of Peter

    • Meaning:

      "rock, stone"

    • Description:

      The Romanian form of Peter, also used in Moldova and Corsica. It appears in the Romanian fairy tale, The Fairy of the Dawn, about a boy named Petru who goes to find a fairy's castle in order to cure his father of an ailment.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. Peio

    • Description:

      Peio is a masculine Basque name, traditionally used in the Basque Country spanning northern Spain and southwestern France. It represents the Basque form of Peter, ultimately derived from the Greek "Petros" meaning "rock" or "stone." The name carries strong cultural significance in Basque communities, where maintaining linguistic traditions is deeply valued. Though rare outside its native region, Peio offers an intriguing option for parents seeking a name with authentic European roots and distinctive character. The name's compact form and vowel-rich pronunciation give it a melodic quality despite its brevity. Peio connects its bearers to the rich cultural heritage of the Basque people, one of Europe's oldest and most linguistically unique populations.
  16. Petrino

    • Description:

      Petrino is a masculine name with Latin and Italian roots. It's a diminutive form of Peter (Pietro in Italian), ultimately derived from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' This name carries associations with strength, stability, and reliability. Petrino has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, though it may be found more frequently in Italian communities or families with Mediterranean heritage. The '-ino' suffix in Italian typically adds an endearing quality, suggesting 'little Peter.' While not widely used, Petrino offers a melodic alternative to the more common Peter, combining traditional roots with a distinctive sound that sets it apart.
  17. Petteri

    • Description:

      Petteri is a masculine Finnish name derived from Peter, which ultimately comes from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' This Finnish variation maintains the strong meaning while adding a distinctive Nordic flavor. In Finland, Petteri has been consistently popular, especially during the latter half of the 20th century. The name is celebrated in Finnish culture, notably in the Christmas carol 'Tip-tap,' which features Petteri the reindeer (Finland's version of Rudolph). Outside Finland and other Nordic countries, Petteri remains relatively uncommon, giving it an exotic quality while still being reasonably easy to pronounce for English speakers. The name carries a friendly, approachable sound with its rhythmic three syllables and soft ending, balancing masculine strength with melodic appeal.

  18. Piet

    • Origin:

      Dutch, diminutive of Pieter or Peter, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "rock"

    • Description:

      Wonderful nickname name most often associated in this country with Dutch modernist painter Mondrian. Pronounced PEET.
  19. Petrik

    • Description:

      Petrik is a masculine name with Slavic origins, primarily used in Slovak, Czech, and other Eastern European cultures. It functions as a diminutive form of Peter, which derives from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'stone' or 'rock.' The suffix '-ik' in Slavic languages typically indicates affection or smallness. Petrik carries the strength and historical significance of Peter while adding a distinctive cultural flair. Though not widely used internationally, the name maintains consistent usage within its regions of origin. Petrik has a pleasantly rhythmic sound with its two-syllable structure. The name bridges traditional naming practices with a slightly less common alternative to the more universal Peter, offering families a way to honor heritage while giving their child a somewhat unique identity.
  20. Pehr

    • Description:

      Pehr is a masculine name of Scandinavian origin, primarily found in Sweden. It represents a traditional Nordic variation of Peter, which derives from the Greek Petros, meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' This spelling variant has deep historical roots in Sweden, dating back several centuries. While maintaining modest usage in Scandinavian countries, Pehr remains relatively uncommon in the global context. The name carries a strong cultural connection to Nordic heritage and conveys a sense of solidity and reliability, much like its etymological meaning. The distinctive spelling offers a direct link to Scandinavian ancestry while still being recognizable to those familiar with the more common Peter.