Cool Baby Names That Start with P

Peace may be an admirable sentiment to convey in a child's name, but the translated and thus more subtle versions, like Pax or Placido, might work better as first names.

Pembroke's brother.

Variation of Pema.

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

Primo is number one among the Latin birth-order names--Octavius et al--and the one most likely to be used in these days of smaller families. It has that jaunty 'o' ending and Italian flavor that many modern parents like so much. And what little boy wouldn't appreciate being prime?

This rare name crosses cultures. With the popularity of Ella and Bella, perhaps we'll hear more of Pella one day soon?

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress brought this name, which was inherited from an uncle, into the mix, adding to the category of names with peaceful meanings.

This Hindu goddess name is very popular in India. The goddess of love, fertility and devotion, representing female force, Parvati is the wife of Shiva and the mother of Ganesh. There is a Harry Potter character named Parvati Patil, a twin sister of Padma..

Powerful surname choice with many distinguished bearers, fresher sounding than Parker.

A grassy place with trees is a nice image to attach to a name.

This rare English surname's most famous bearers are Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie: the four siblings who are the protagonists of C. S. Lewis' Narnia books. It probably derives from Pevensey, the name of the bay in East Sussex, England where William the Conqueror landed in 1066.

A popular female name in India, Priti (or Preeti) is a sweet and pretty-sounding option.

Parrish is unrelated — but often said to be related — to the English word "parish". Instead, the surname arose as a designator for one who lived in Paris.

Patterson is an upscale name worth considering if you're looking to continue a line of Peters, but soundalike Paterson is a downscale city in New Jersey.

Padgett is an occupational surname name related to page, meaning not a page in a book but a page or attendant in the Senate or a royal court.

There are two lovely Portlands, in Maine and Oregon, but not many babies with their name.

Common surname rarely used as a first.

In British slang, a "prat" is an idiot -- enough said.

Pompeo is a masculine name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin name 'Pompeius,' which was a Roman family name. Historically, it's associated with the ancient Roman general Pompey the Great (Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus). The name carries connotations of strength, leadership, and classical heritage. In modern times, Pompeo functions primarily as a surname in Italian communities, though it occasionally appears as a first name. It gained some recognition in the United States through public figures like former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and actress Ellen Pompeo. The name has a melodic quality with its strong 'o' sounds and projects an air of sophistication and classical education.

Penzance is a port town at the very tip of Cornwall. With its associations with operetta and pirates, Penzance packs quite a bit of zip for a name.