Girls Names P Through T

Pika

Slovene

"dot"

A cute, chirpy Slovene name with a meaning to match. The Slovene translation of Pippi Longstocking renames her Pika Nogavička. Pika is also an animal name, belonging to a rabbit-like mammal.

Pilot

Occupational name

We don't recommend the combination Pilot Inspektor that put this name on the map, but paired with a more subdued middle, Pilot is an interesting and pleasant occupational name.

Pip

English

"lover of horses"

Cute-as-a-button nickname traditionally derived from Philip or Philippa – but could work for Piper, Juniper or Penelope as well.

Pippa

English, diminutive of Philippa

"lover of horses"

Pippa, a peppy condensation of Philippa that turns it from serious to sprightly, has come into the public eye in a big way via the former Kate Middleton's sister. Pippa can and is given as a name in…

Pippi

Norse variation of Philippa

"lover of horses"

Pippi may be cute but isn't very practical. In addition to being forever Pippi Longstocking, there is that variant pee-pee spelling to consider. Try Pippa instead.

Pippie

Pippie is a feminine name that likely emerged as an affectionate diminutive of Philippa or Pippa, ultimately derived from the Greek name Philippos meaning "lover of horses." This playful, diminutive…

Pippin

Germanic

"awe-inspiring"

Super-sweet name that was the title of a Broadway play -- but best known as a type of apple. Could also make a cute short form for names like Philippa or Penelope.

Pippy

Pippy is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive nickname form, often derived from Philippa (meaning 'lover of horses' in Greek) or simply as an affectionate name inspired by the sound. The…

Poe

English

"peacock"

Hip new middle-name choice, conjuring up the gothic tales of Edgar Allan, and current single-named pop singer Poe. As a first name, it's radically underused, given last year in the US to only five…

Poem

Literary name, English word name

"a composition in verse"

A handful of baby girls were named Poem in the US in the most recent year, along with Poet and Poetry. But of course, these word names can work for boys too.

Polina

Russian and Basque, feminine variation of Paul

This version of the more familiar Paulina is occasionally used in the US, though some may see it as relating more to the word pole than to the classic Paul.

Polly

English variation of Molly, diminutive of Mary, Hebrew

"bitter"

An alternative to the no-longer-fresh Molly, the initial 'P' gives Polly a peppier sound, combining the cozy virtues of an old-timey name with the bounce of a barmaid. Associated with Tom Sawyer's…

Pollyanna

English compound name, Polly + Anna

"beloved + grace"

Has become a byword in English for an overly optimistic person, thanks to the eponymous children's book heroine. Polly is an antiquated short form of Mary.

Polyxena

Greek

"very hospitable"

Polyxena was a minor figure in Greek mythology - a daughter of King Priam and a love interest of the famed warrior Achilles. The name is a bit clunky but could be pulled off by the right woman.

Pomona

Latin

"apple"

This name of the Roman goddess of fruit trees is also associated with a suburban town in Southern California.

Pompeia

Feminine form of Pompeius, Roman

"five"

Poppaea

Latin

"of the people"

A cheerful-sounding name from ancient Rome that would be an offbeat route to Poppy as a nickname. Poppaea Sabina was the second wife of the emperor Nero.

Pretoria

Latin

"official"

Pretoria is a city in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa, named after its founder Marthinus Pretorius. The surname derives from from Latin praetor meaning "leader, official".

Prima

Latin

"first"

Will assure your daughter she's numero uno.

Primrose

English flower name

"first rose"

A quaint and quirky flower name, until recently considered a bit too prim for most American classrooms but brought back to life in recent years by the attractive character of Primrose "Prim" Everdeen…