Pretty P names for girls

Pandora

Greek

"all gifted"

Pandora has occasionally been used by the British gentry (for girls with brothers who might be called Peregrine) and is now starting to be heard in the US too: It was given to 34 baby girls last…

Paralee

Paralee is a feminine given name that appears to have emerged in the United States primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name may be a compound formation combining elements like…

Parmenia

Greek

"studious"

The unusual Parmenia is very occasionally chosen by Latino parents.

Parthenia

Greek

"chaste maiden"

Parthenia may be a bit unwieldy, but does conjure up majestic images of the Parthenon. It was briefly in the US charts in the late 19th century.

Papillon

Papillon, meaning 'butterfly' in French, is a delicate and distinctive feminine name. Though primarily recognized as a dog breed (the French Papillon spaniel with butterfly-like ears), it has…

Paraskeva

Paraskeva is a feminine name of Greek origin associated with preparation and readiness. Derived from the Greek word "paraskevi" meaning "preparation" or "Friday," it has deep historical roots in…

Parasha

Russian

"born on Good Friday"

Slavic possibility for a girl born during the Easter season.

Pasha

Diminutive of Pavel or Praskovya, Russian

"small, humble; preparation"

Sweet and soft but outdoorsy too, Pasha could make an interesting alternative to Sasha. Typically used as a diminutive for Russian male names like Pavel, it has also been used for the feminine name…

Patricia

Latin

"noble, patrician"

Patricia still sounds patrician, though its scores of nicknames definitely don't. Wildly popular from the forties (alternately Number 3 and 4 throughout the decade) to the sixties, Patricia has been…

Paviana

Paviana is a rare feminine name likely derived from Latin roots. It may be connected to 'pavo,' the Latin word for peacock, suggesting connotations of beauty and grace. Alternatively, it could relate…

Pavana

Sanskrit

"peacock"

If there are too many Savannahs in your neighborhood, you might consider this. Pavana is a Hindu goddess of the wind.

Paz

Hebrew; Spanish

"gold; peace"

Paz, currently represented by actresses Paz Vega and Paz de la Huerts, would make a sparkling middle name choice. It originated as a title of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Peace, and is one of the…

Pazia

Pazia is a feminine name of uncertain origin, though it may have connections to Italian or Hebrew linguistic roots. In Italian, it could relate to 'pace' meaning 'peace,' while some suggest a…

Penina

Hebrew

"pearl"

A jewel-encrusted choice, far more unusual than Pearl.

Perfecta

Spanish

"flawless"

Talk about pressure.

Peridot

Arabic

"a green gemstone"

Peridot is the gem of the month of August, a vibrant green mineral, said to be good for helping people put the past behind them, and an interesting, undiscovered jewel name. It was regarded in…

Piera

Piera is a feminine name with Italian origins, functioning as the female form of Piero or Pietro, which ultimately derive from the Greek name Petros, meaning "rock" or "stone." This elegant name…

Piaf

French surname

"sparrow"

Possible musical tribute name to the waiflike, husky-voiced midcentury French singer who was given this last name because of her birdlike quality.

Pink

Color name

The singer known as Pink (born Alecia) brought this hue onto the name-possibility palette, especially as a middle choice. Could Pink be the next Blue?

Pilar

Spanish

"pillar"

The fact that this Spanish classic, which honors the Virgin Mary, does not end in the conventional letter 'a' gives it a special sense of strength, elegance, and style, making it a worthy choice. The…