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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. 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. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Pello

    • Origin:

      Greek and Basque

    • Meaning:

      "stone"

    • Description:

      Creative variation on Peter.
  10. 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.

  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. Pär

    • Description:

      Pär is a masculine Scandinavian name, particularly common in Sweden, representing the Nordic version of Peter. Derived from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone,' Pär carries connotations of steadfastness and reliability. The name features the characteristic Swedish letter 'ä' (pronounced similar to the 'ai' in 'fair'). Though simple in structure, Pär's pronunciation (roughly like 'pair') can vary slightly across Scandinavian regions. The name experienced peak popularity in Sweden during the mid-20th century but has remained a consistent choice for Swedish families seeking a traditional Nordic name. Outside Scandinavia, Pär remains rare, giving it a distinctive quality while still connecting to the internationally recognized Peter. The name's brevity and strength appeal to parents valuing simplicity with cultural depth.

  14. 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.
  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. 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.
  17. 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.

  18. Panos

    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Panagiotis

    • Meaning:

      "all holy"

    • Description:

      This is a straightforward choice for parents looking to honor their Greek ancestry.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.