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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. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Petar

    • Description:

      Petar is the South Slavic variant of Peter, a masculine name derived from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' Particularly common in Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and other Balkan countries, Petar has been a consistently popular name throughout Eastern European history. The name carries significant Christian heritage, as it references Saint Peter, one of Jesus's twelve apostles. Many notable figures in the Balkans have borne this name, including politicians, athletes, and artists. Petar has a strong, straightforward sound that travels well across languages while maintaining its Slavic character. The name suggests reliability, strength, and steadfastness, reflecting its literal meaning of 'rock.'
  7. Petros

    • Origin:

      Greek and Armenian variation of Peter

    • Meaning:

      "stone"

    • Description:

      A form of the Biblical classic, in Greek, the first syllable is emphasized, whereas in Armenian, the second is stressed. Notable bearers are Greek tennis player Petros Tsitsipas and footballer Petros Mantalos, while historically, Petros Bereketis and Petros Byzantios were Greek-Ottoman musicians.
  8. Pietro

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Peter

    • Description:

      Yet another winning international form of Peter.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Peadair

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Peter

    • Description:

      Peadair is one way to reinvent a classic, though insisting on the authentic pronunciation could cause problems.
  12. Panos

    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Panagiotis

    • Meaning:

      "all holy"

    • Description:

      This is a straightforward choice for parents looking to honor their Greek ancestry.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.

  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.

  19. Petras

    • Origin:

      Lithuanian form of Peter

    • Meaning:

      "rock, stone"

    • Description:

      Petras is one of the lesser known variations of the classic Peter.
  20. 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.