alyshadragonfriend's list "Girls Names Beginning With P" of 20 great name ideas: Petya - Pierra!

Girls Names Beginning With P

A very long list of girls names beginning with the letter P. I hope it comes in handy.

Petya is a popular name in its native Bulgaria, where according to a 2016 study, it was the 9th most used feminine name among women of all ages. While it hasn't made the Top 10 in recent years, it remains a familiar choice.
 Petya is also a masculine diminutive of Pyotr in Russian.

Petya

In the Zulu and Xhosa languages of Southern Africa, Phila is a unisex name pronounced "PEE-la" and means "to live of life" 

It's also the feminine version of the ancient Greek name Philo, pronounced "FEE-la", meaning friend or lover and present in several contemporary names and words used throughout the Western World. The name Philip, for instance, means lover of horses, while the city name Philadelphia means "brotherly love" and philosophy means "love of wisdom".

Phila

Place-name mentioned in the New Testament and not yet on the name map. Philadelphia Thursday was the character played by Shirley Temple in John Ford's 1948 "Fort Apache." 

Philadelphia

Philippine might be taken as an ethnic identification rather than a name in the U.S. Philippa would be more easily understood, though if you don't mind eternally correcting people, Philippine can make an interesting alternative. Pippa can be a short form of Philippine as well as Philippa.

Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu is the soigné French actress who plays the fearfully chic boss in Emily in Paris.

Philippine

Philis is a feminine name that represents a variation of Phyllis, which has Greek origins meaning 'green branch' or 'foliage'. This uncommon spelling gives the classic name a distinctive quality while maintaining its connection to nature and growth. Historically, Phyllis appeared in Greek mythology as a character who transformed into an almond tree, adding a layer of poetic significance to the name. While the traditional spelling Phyllis peaked in popularity in the mid-20th century, the Philis variant has remained quite rare. It offers a subtle twist for parents who appreciate the classic name's history and meaning but desire something slightly less conventional.

Philis

Phillida is a "Masterpiece Theatre" appellation, proper to an almost comical degree yet might make an original way to honor an ancestral Phyliis.  Actress Phyllida Law is the mother of Emma and Sophie Thompson.

Phillida

The Phillis spelling of this once-popular name lives on thanks to Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American to publish a book of poetry, in the 18th century.

Phillis

Philomela, the name of a mythological Athenian princess who was transformed into a nightingale, is rarely heard outside the Greek community. The mellifluous Philomela might make a more distinctive and prettier update for Pamela or Phyllis.  Philomela may also be a good choice for a music-lover's daughter.  Try Pippa or Millie for short.

Philomela

Philomene is a feminine name of Greek origin derived from 'philomenes,' meaning 'loved' or 'sweet-singing.' It's connected to Greek mythology through Philomela, who was transformed into a nightingale, giving the name associations with music and beautiful sounds. Philomene is more common in French-speaking regions and parts of Europe, though it remains relatively rare globally. The name enjoyed modest popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become less common. It carries an elegant, classical quality that appeals to parents seeking sophisticated traditional names with literary connections. Variations include Philomena, Filomena, and Philomèna.

Philomene

Philomina is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from 'philos' meaning 'lover' or 'friend' and possibly 'menos' meaning 'mind' or 'strength.' It's a variant of Philomena, a name associated with Saint Philomena, a virgin martyr from the early Christian church. The name fell out of common usage after Saint Philomena was removed from the Roman Catholic calendar of saints in 1961, though devotion to her continues. Philomina carries connotations of love, devotion, and inner strength. While not as popular as it once was, the name maintains a classic, vintage charm with its musical quality and rich historical associations. It suggests a person who is loving, steadfast, and intellectually curious.

Philomina

This variation of Philomena has never been high on the popularity charts, but it did appear in the US infrequently as a French immigrant name. As a result, it has some ties to Louisiana and the Cajun community.

Philomine

Philomène is a feminine French name derived from Greek origins, meaning 'lover of strength' or 'loved one.' It combines 'philos' (loving) with 'menos' (strength, courage). This elegant name carries a distinctly French character with its accent and pronunciation (fee-lo-MEN). Popular in France during the 19th century, Philomène has a vintage, sophisticated quality that has seen occasional revivals among parents seeking names with historical depth. In Catholic tradition, Saint Philomena was a virgin martyr, adding religious significance for some families. Though not common in English-speaking countries, the name maintains steady usage in Francophone regions and appeals to parents drawn to names with classical roots and a melodious, feminine character.

Philomène

The name of a saint in the Greek Orthodox Church and the Greek version of the more familiar Amadea / Amadeus. Philothea could make for a lovely, unusual way to get to stylish Thea. Bottom line: Philothea is one of those <a href="https://nameberry.com/unique-names">unique baby names</a> that deserves to be discovered.

Philothea

This Dutch name stems from the Greek root word "philos" meaning "love". It is relatively common in the Netherlands.

Philou

Phyllida, a "Masterpiece Theatre"-style appellation, seems far fresher and more unusual than Phyllis. It's green-related meaning makes it one of the prime <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/316/baby-names-that-mean-new-beginnings?all=1">names that mean new beginnings</a>.
 It's a name used by sixteenth century poets and writers: Lyly has a character named Phyllida in his 1592 play Galathea, and there is a poem of the same period called Phyllida and Corydon.
 The distinguished Scottish actress Phyllida Law is the mother of actresses Emma and Sophie Thompson; Phyllida Lloyd directed such films as Mamma Mia! and The Iron Lady.

Phyllida

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

Piaf

Piano is an unusual feminine name derived from the musical instrument, which itself comes from the Italian word 'piano,' meaning 'soft' or 'quiet.' As a given name, Piano is extremely rare, representing the category of musical names that occasionally appear in contemporary naming practices. Parents who choose this name likely have strong associations with music, perhaps as musicians themselves or deep appreciators of piano music. The name carries artistic connotations and suggests creativity, expression, and cultural refinement. While unusual as a given name in most cultures, Piano exemplifies the modern trend toward noun names with personal significance. Its distinctive quality ensures its bearer would have a truly unique identifier.

Piano

Pierette

Pierina is a feminine Italian name derived from Piera, the female form of Piero, which comes from the name Peter (meaning 'rock' or 'stone'). The suffix '-ina' adds a diminutive quality, essentially meaning 'little Piera.' With its melodic four syllables and flowing Italian pronunciation, Pierina carries an elegant, romantic quality characteristic of Italian naming traditions. Though uncommon outside Italian communities, the name has maintained consistent albeit rare usage throughout the 20th century. Pierina offers the accessible nicknames Piera, Rina, or even Peri. For families with Italian heritage or those drawn to Italian cultural aesthetics, Pierina provides a distinctive option with classical roots and a sophisticated sound.

Pierina

Pierra is a feminine name that appears to be a variation of Pierre, the French form of Peter, which means 'rock' or 'stone.' By adding the feminine '-a' ending to the traditionally masculine Pierre, the name creates a feminine equivalent while maintaining its French aesthetic. This pattern of feminizing male names has historical precedent across many European languages. Pierra has a sophisticated, continental European flair that suggests strength and elegance simultaneously. While relatively uncommon, it offers an interesting alternative to more popular names like Petra or Patricia that share similar etymological roots. The name's rarity gives it distinction, while its recognizable sounds make it accessible. Pierra might appeal to parents with French heritage or those seeking an uncommon name with romantic language influences.