Girls Names Beginning With P
- Padget
Origin:
English and French variation of PageMeaning:
"page, attendant"Description:
This unusual offshoot of Page is one of the undiscovered unique baby names, with lots of energy and charm. Actress Paget Brewster, star of Criminal Minds, presents another spelling possibility. She comes from a family of unique names--her mother is Hathaway, her father Galen.
- Page
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"page, attendant"Description:
Sleek and sophisticated single-syllable choice that has NEVER been in the Top 1000, though sister name Paige has ranked since the mid 1950s. Though off her peak, Paige is still in the Top 200. Along with Poppy, Patience, and Plum, Page is one of the girl names that start with P that are also words.
- Pai
Origin:
Chinese & Indian surname nameDescription:
A moderately common surname in two of the world's most populous countries. Helen Pai is one of the main writer of the TV series Gilmore Girls.
- Paige
Origin:
English, occupational nameMeaning:
"page to a lord"Description:
Paige is more name, and less word than the occupational Page. Paige is also sleek and sophisticated a la Brooke and Blair and reached as high as Number 47 in 2003, when there was a very popular television show, Trading Spaces, hosted by the energetic Paige Davis.
- Palila
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"a bird"Description:
Pacific island member of the currently-in-favor Lila/Leila family and one of the most attractive and unique girls' names starting with P.
- Paloma
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"dove"Description:
Paloma is vibrant and ruby-lipped a la jewelry designer Paloma Picasso, but it also suggests peace, as symbolized by the dove. Paloma is a highly recommended striking but soft name, one of the best of the names that mean peace and girls' names starting with P.
- Pam
Origin:
Diminutive of Pamela, EnglishMeaning:
"all honey"Description:
This mild-mannered short form was Queen of the Prom in the fifties and sixties, but today is mostly heard on TV's The Office (and of course as one of the founders of Nameberry).
- Pamela
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"all honey"Description:
Pam was a somewhat pampered prom queen of the sixties who was never called by her full name, which is a pity because Pamela is so mellifluous and rich in literary history. A Top 25 name from the late 1940's through the late 60's, Pamela has just, sadly, dropped out of the Top 1000.
- Pamelita
Description:
Pamelita is a feminine name that functions as a diminutive form of Pamela, adding the Spanish suffix '-ita' which conveys affection and smallness. Pamela itself originated in the 16th century from Sir Philip Sidney's pastoral poem 'Arcadia,' potentially derived from Greek elements meaning 'all honey' or 'all sweetness.' Pamelita carries a warm, affectionate quality with its Spanish influence, making it particularly appealing in Hispanic communities or for families seeking to honor mixed cultural heritage. While relatively uncommon as a formal given name, it might be used as an endearing nickname. The name blends English literary tradition with Hispanic linguistic patterns, creating a cross-cultural option with a melodic, flowing sound.
- Pamella
Description:
Pamella is a variation of Pamela, a name created by the 16th-century poet Sir Philip Sidney for his pastoral romance "Arcadia." He derived it from the Greek words "pan" (all) and "meli" (honey), essentially meaning "all sweetness." This spelling with double 'l' adds a distinctive touch to the classic name. Pamela became widely popular in the English-speaking world during the 18th century after Samuel Richardson's novel "Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded" was published. The Pamella variant emerged later as parents sought to personalize the traditional spelling. While less common than Pamela, Pamella maintains the same warm, graceful qualities while offering a slightly more elaborate appearance. The name peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century.
- Pammy
Description:
Pammy is a cheerful feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Pamela, which comes from Greek elements meaning "all honey" or "all sweetness." Popular during the mid-20th century, Pammy has a warm, friendly quality that evokes the optimistic spirit of the 1950s and 60s. While often used as a nickname, Pammy has occasionally been given as a legal first name, offering a more casual, approachable alternative to the more formal Pamela. The name carries a certain nostalgic charm and unpretentious warmth. Though its popularity has declined since its peak, Pammy retains a sweet, affectionate quality that some parents appreciate. With its bright sound and easy pronunciation, Pammy creates an immediate sense of familiarity and friendliness. The name's vintage appeal may attract parents looking for something retro yet simple and cheerful.
- Paméla
Description:
Paméla is the French variation of Pamela, a name created by the English poet Sir Philip Sidney for his 16th-century pastoral poem 'Arcadia.' The name is believed to be derived from Greek elements 'pan' (all) and 'meli' (honey), suggesting sweetness. The addition of the accent in the French spelling (Paméla) adds a touch of elegance while preserving the melodic quality of the original. The name gained significant popularity in the 18th century after Samuel Richardson used it for the virtuous heroine of his novel 'Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded.' In French-speaking regions, Paméla has periodically enjoyed fashion waves, particularly in the 1970s-1980s, and remains recognizable while not overly common.
- Panama
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Sharing her name with a country, a city, an isthmus, a gulf, a canal, and a hat might be a bit much for a child to handle.
- Panra
Origin:
PashtoMeaning:
"leaf"Description:
Panra is a lovely nature name, meaning leaf, which would easily wear outside its native Pakistan. Pakistani singer Gul Panra is probably the most famous person with this name.
- Paola
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of PaulaMeaning:
"small"Description:
Paola is the Latinate version of Paula. Its intriguing sound could make it more appealing than the English standard.
- Papillon
Description:
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 occasionally been adopted as a human name. The butterfly symbolism gives this name associations with transformation, beauty, and freedom. As a human name, Papillon remains extremely rare, appealing to parents drawn to unique French-derived names with clear natural imagery. The name's pronunciation (pap-ee-YON) adds to its exotic feel. While uncommon in mainstream usage, it shares qualities with other nature-inspired names like Mariposa or feminine French names.
- Paraskeva
Description:
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 Eastern Orthodox traditions. The name is particularly prevalent in Slavic countries, Greece, and other regions with Orthodox Christian heritage. Historically, Saint Paraskeva was a venerated figure in Eastern Christianity, contributing to the name's religious significance. While uncommon in Western countries, Paraskeva holds cultural importance in Eastern Europe where variants like Paraskevas, Paraskevi, and Petka are used. The name carries a distinctive, traditional character with a melodic quality and rich historical associations, making it appealing to those with connections to Orthodox traditions or seeking a name with classical Greek heritage.
- Parastoo
Origin:
Iranian, PersianMeaning:
"swallow bird"Description:
The name Parastoo currently seems unusual to the Western ear, with that "too" ending rare in traditional English names. It is sometimes spelled Parastu. Pari or Parisa would make easier imports.
- Pari
Origin:
Iranian/PersianMeaning:
"fairy"Description:
Simple yet meaningful Iranian name that would make an excellent import to the English-speaking world.
- Paris
Origin:
French place-nameDescription:
Paris, a one-time mythical and Shakespearean boys' name, peaked in 2004 at Number 157 at least in part due to the highly publicized Paris Hilton. Michael Jackson used it for his daughter.