Girls Names Beginning With P
- Primula
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"first rose"Description:
Primula is related to Primrose, the name and the flower, and would make a quirky yet charming (or is it charming yet quirky?) botanical name for a first daughter.
- Pierrette
Origin:
Feminine form of Pierre, French version of PeterMeaning:
"rock"Description:
Pierrette is the French feminine form of Peter or Pierre, an antiquated if charming feminization in the style of Albertine.
- Paulene
Description:
Paulene is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Pauline, which itself is the feminine form of Paul. The name derives from the Latin 'Paulus,' meaning 'small' or 'humble.' This particular spelling with an 'e' instead of 'i' gives the traditional name a slightly different visual appearance while maintaining the same pronunciation. Paulene saw modest popularity in the early to mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. The name carries associations of classic femininity with a touch of vintage charm. It might appeal to parents looking to honor a relative named Paul while choosing something distinctly feminine yet not overly common. Paulene balances traditional roots with a slightly unexpected spelling.
- Peru
Origin:
Place nameDescription:
An unexplored choice, evocative of the snowcapped Andes, with a pleasant, catchy sound.
- Perri
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dweller near a pear tree"Description:
For boys, this name calls to mind old-school detective Perry Mason. But peppy Perri is coming around as part of a group of boyish nicknames for girls - along with favorites like Leni and Charlie.
- Pleasant
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
An admirable quality to impart; Pleasant was used by Charles Dickens in Our Mutual Friend and in modern times is known via American Girl dolls creator Pleasant Rowland.
- Phillida
Origin:
Latin, spelling variation of PhyllidaMeaning:
"green bough"Description:
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.
- 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.
- Porcie
Description:
Porcie is a rare feminine name likely derived as a variant or diminutive of Portia. Portia originates from the Latin 'Porcius,' a Roman family name possibly meaning 'pig' or 'swineherd,' though its aristocratic associations have long overshadowed this etymology. Porcie remains extremely uncommon, rarely appearing in naming records or popularity charts. The name gained literary significance through Shakespeare's character Portia in 'The Merchant of Venice,' who is portrayed as intelligent and resourceful. This alternative spelling with the -ie ending gives the name a softer, more informal quality than the classical Portia. While maintaining connections to its Latin roots and Shakespearean heritage, Porcie offers a distinctive variation for parents seeking an unusual name with historical resonance.
- Poppi
Origin:
Spelling variation of Poppy, flower nameDescription:
Word name Poppy with a contemporary make-over. Poppi was given to 6 girls in England and Wales and 49 babies in the US in a recent year. WWE star Torrie Wilson chose this spelling for her daughter in 2025.
- Promise
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified"Description:
Promise is one of those word names with an uplifting meaning that is making inroads as a girls' name, like sisters Dream and Serenity. How promising is Promise as a first name? Our try at cleverness illustrates perhaps the biggest problem with naming your baby girl Promise: It will be difficult for people to resist making bad puns on the name. We promise (argh) you'll be tired of hearing them well before your baby Promise's first birthday.
- Pyrite
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"fire stone"Description:
So named because it emits sparks when struck with a stone.
- 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.
- Perette
Description:
Perette is a delicate feminine name of French origin, representing the feminine form of Peter (Pierre in French). Derived from the Greek 'petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone', it carries connotations of strength and steadfastness despite its gentle sound. Popular in medieval France, Perette has become quite rare in modern times, giving it a distinctive vintage charm. The name appears in historical French literature and folk tales, including as a character in La Fontaine's fables. With its subtle French elegance and two-syllable rhythm ending in the feminine '-ette' suffix, Perette offers an uncommon alternative to more widely used French names. It maintains an air of classic refinement while being virtually unique in contemporary usage.
- Purity
Origin:
Virtue nameDescription:
A puritan virtue name that's only slightly less challenging than Chastity. It was used for nearly 20 baby girls in the contemporary US in one recent year.
- Pascalie
Description:
Pascalie is a feminine name with French origins, derived from the masculine Pascal, which comes from the Latin 'paschalis' meaning 'relating to Easter' or 'born at Passover.' The feminine suffix '-ie' gives the name a graceful, flowing quality typical of French feminine names. While relatively uncommon even in French-speaking regions, Pascalie carries connotations of spring, renewal, and spiritual significance through its connection to Easter. The name has a melodic, three-syllable rhythm that feels both elegant and approachable. Pascalie offers families a distinctive choice that balances uniqueness with comprehensible pronunciation and spelling. Like other holiday-inspired names, it subtly references important cultural and religious traditions while functioning beautifully as a personal name with a touch of French sophistication.
- Pompeia
Origin:
Feminine form of Pompeius, RomanMeaning:
"five"
- Pennylane
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"street name"Description:
Inspired by the Beatles song "Penny Lane", about the sights and sounds of a typical street in Liverpool, England, this quirky smoosh name has charted regularly in the US since 2008.
- Pine
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
Likable addition to the list of unisex tree names.
- Perrette
Description:
Perrette is a feminine French name that originated as a diminutive form of Pierre, the French version of Peter, which comes from the Greek "Petros" meaning "rock" or "stone." This charming medieval name was relatively common in France during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. Perrette appears in classic French literature, notably in Jean de La Fontaine's fable "Perrette et le Pot au Lait" (Perrette and the Milk Pot). Despite its historical presence, Perrette remains quite rare in modern usage. The name carries a delicate, vintage French elegance with its distinctive '-ette' diminutive ending, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and Gallic charm.
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