Boys Names P Through T
- Paradox
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
A paradox is a statement that while seeming true contradicts itself. With the less-than-pleasant "Doxy" as an obvious nickname, Paradox is perhaps a better name for a cat than a baby.
- Parker
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"park-keeper"Description:
One of the first generation of surname names, along with Porter and Morgan, Parker's still one of the most appealing and remains firmly in the Top 100 for boys. About three times as many boys as girls get this occupational name. The association with Charlie Parker gives Parker itself a jazzy edge, and it also has a nature-related meaning. Rosie O'Donnell has a son named Parker.
- Parsifal
Description:
Parsifal is a masculine name with medieval European origins, derived from the Arthurian legend of Percival (Parzival in German), one of the Knights of the Round Table who quested for the Holy Grail. The name likely comes from Old French 'percer val' meaning 'to pierce the valley' or possibly from Persian 'Parsi fal' meaning 'pure fool' or 'innocent fool,' reflecting the character's journey from naivety to wisdom. Parsifal gained renewed attention through Richard Wagner's 1882 opera of the same name. Though rare, the name appeals to parents drawn to names with literary and mythological significance. It carries connotations of spiritual quest, purity of heart, and the journey toward enlightenment, offering a distinctive choice with deep cultural resonance.
- Parzival
Description:
Parzival is a masculine name derived from medieval literature, specifically the 13th-century German epic poem by Wolfram von Eschenbach. The character Parzival (or Percival in Arthurian legends) was a knight who sought the Holy Grail. The name's etymology is debated, possibly coming from Old French 'percer val' meaning 'to pierce the valley,' or Persian 'Parsi val' meaning 'pure fool,' reflecting the character's journey from naivety to wisdom. While uncommon as a given name, Parzival carries rich literary and mythological associations with quests, spiritual growth, and knightly virtues. Its distinctive sound and compelling backstory make it appealing to parents interested in names with depth and historical significance.
- Pascal
Origin:
French; EnglishMeaning:
"of the Passover; Easter"Description:
The French-accented Pascal was historically used for sons born at Easter, and can make an interesting choice for a boy with Gallic roots arriving around that holiday.
- Pax
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"peaceful"Description:
Pax, one of the variations of names meaning peace that are newly popular in these less-than-peaceful times, got a lot of publicity when chosen by Brad & Angelina for their Vietnamese-born son. Parents attracted to Pax may also want to consider Paz, the unisex Spanish version, or Paxton, a growing-in-popularity surname choice that shares that magical X-factor.
- Payne
Origin:
English or MapucheMeaning:
"villager, country-dweller; blue"Description:
The y helps a bit, but still a painful image.
- Payton
Origin:
Variation of Patton or Peyton, EnglishMeaning:
"fighting man's estate"Description:
Once an obscure, surname-inspired option, Payton (and Peyton) hiked up the charts back in the 90s, likely inspired by the football star Peyton Manning.
- Peace
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"peace"Description:
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.
- Pearson
Description:
Pearson is primarily known as an English surname meaning 'son of Piers' or 'son of Peter,' with Peter ultimately deriving from the Greek 'petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' As a masculine given name, Pearson follows the trend of using traditional surnames as first names, a practice that gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century. The name carries connotations of strength and stability through its connection to 'stone,' while also suggesting a distinguished, professional quality that many surname-as-first-name choices convey. Though uncommon as a first name, Pearson offers the appeal of feeling both traditional and distinctive, with the familiar 'son' ending shared by names like Harrison, Jackson, and Wilson.
- Peidearan
Description:
Peidearan is a traditional masculine Scottish Gaelic name, representing a variant of Peter. It derives from the ancient Greek 'Petros,' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' This distinctively Gaelic spelling maintains the original meaning while embracing Scottish linguistic traditions. Primarily found in the Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland, Peidearan remains relatively rare even within Scotland. The pronunciation typically follows Gaelic patterns, approximately 'PEH-duh-run.' While uncommon in broader usage, the name carries deep cultural significance within Gaelic-speaking communities, representing both Christian heritage and Scottish identity. For families with Scottish Highland ancestry, Peidearan offers a meaningful connection to linguistic and cultural roots.
- Penrose
Origin:
Cornish and Welsh place name and surnameMeaning:
"top of the heath"Description:
Penrose – an ancient locational surname derived from several villages in Cornwall, Wales, and the Welsh border country of England – might work as a first name, although the "Rose" syllable might lead the uninitiated to assume it's a female name. As a middle name, however, it would make for a surprising and distinguished choice. A male Penrose could be called Pen/Penn, Ross or Roe for short.
- Pepin
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"awe-inspiring"Description:
Most famous as the name of King Pepin the Short, this choice might feel somewhat belittling. The even-shorter form is Pippin, a name adopted for musical theater, and the Dutch form Pepijn is in that country's Top 100.
- Percival
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"one who pierces the valley"Description:
There are several Percivals scattered through the Harry Potter series, which might help transform the old-fangled, fussy image it has accrued. Actually, the original Percival was the one perfectly pure Knight of the Round Table, a worthy hero. The name was invented in the twelfth century by a poet named Chretien de Troyes, for his ideal knight in the poem Percevale, a Knight of King Arthur.
- Peregrin
Description:
Peregrin is a distinguished masculine name with Latin origins, derived from 'peregrinus' meaning 'traveler' or 'pilgrim.' The name gained literary recognition through J.R.R. Tolkien's works, where Peregrin 'Pippin' Took appears as a beloved character in 'The Lord of the Rings.' This association has given the name a whimsical, adventurous quality that appeals to literary-minded parents. Despite its rich history and meaningful etymology, Peregrin remains uncommon, making it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or understand. The name carries connotations of journey, exploration, and spiritual seeking, reflecting its pilgrim roots. For parents drawn to names with depth, historical significance, and a touch of literary magic, Peregrin offers a compelling choice.
- Peregrine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"traveler, pilgrim"Description:
Peregrine is considered to be an elegantly aristocratic name in England, but has never made it to the U.S., where it has been seen as extravagantly eccentric. In the new naming climate, though, it's not beyond consideration — in fact it's already been chosen by at least one Berry.
- Perran
Origin:
CornishMeaning:
"little dark one"Description:
Also spelled, Piran, this Cornish saint's name is also a village. Perran is thought to be analogous to the Irish name Ciaran.
- Perrin
Origin:
Variation of Perry or Peter, English or GreekMeaning:
"dweller near the pear tree or rock, stone"Description:
Perrin has been in long use as a surname, derived from Peter, and is now used quietly as a first name. It may rise higher now that it's a character name in the popular TV adaptation of Robert Jordan's fantasy novel series The Wheel of Time. Twenty-six baby boys were named Perrin in the US last year, along with six baby girls.
- Perseus
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"to destroy"Description:
Perseus is a godly Greek hero (he was a son of Zeus) whose ancient name just might have modern possibilities along with other so-old-they're-new-again names such as Atticus and Orion.
- Peru
Origin:
Place nameDescription:
An unexplored choice, evocative of the snowcapped Andes, with a pleasant, catchy sound.