Petar

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.'

Pronounced PEH-tar.

As of October 2026, Petar ranked #6354 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #2169 in 1968.