Girls Names Beginning With P
- Paule
Origin:
French, feminine variation of PaulDescription:
This, the simplest French female version of Paul, was brought into the U. S. mix by novelist Paule Marshall, whose roots are in the West Indies.
- 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.
- Patsie
Description:
Patsie is a feminine name primarily used as an affectionate diminutive form of Patricia, which derives from the Latin 'patricius' meaning 'noble' or 'of the patrician class.' This spelling variant, with the -ie ending rather than the more common -y, gives the nickname a slightly more feminine and playful quality. Patsie emerged as a nickname in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century when Patricia ranked among the most popular girls' names. Though less commonly used as a formal given name, Patsie has occasionally appeared on birth certificates as a standalone name. It carries a warm, friendly quality with vintage charm, evoking the mid-century era when nickname forms were frequently used as proper 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.
- Pax
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"peace"Description:
A cool name, representing the Roman goddess of peace and offering a positive message to bestow upon a child. Pax is one of the most stylish new names that mean peace.
- Penn
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"enclosure"Description:
Not commonly used for girls, but Bruce Willis used it as the middle name for his daughter Evelyn.
- Pascaline
Description:
Pascaline is a feminine name with French origins, derived from the male name Pascal, which comes from the Latin 'paschalis' meaning 'relating to Easter' or 'born at Passover.' The addition of the feminine suffix '-ine' creates this elegant variation. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Pascaline has maintained modest usage in French-speaking regions. The name carries associations with springtime, renewal, and celebration. Historically, it gained some recognition through Blaise Pascal's 17th-century calculating machine called the Pascaline. The name combines classical roots with a melodic, sophisticated sound. Pascaline offers the friendly nickname options of Pasca or Lina for those who prefer shorter forms.
- Pippy
Description:
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 name has a playful, cheerful quality with its repeating 'p' sounds and diminutive '-y' ending. Pippy gained some recognition through children's literature, notably with the character Pippi Longstocking, though the spelling differs. As a given name rather than a nickname, Pippy remains quite uncommon, appealing to parents seeking something distinctively whimsical and informal. The name evokes qualities of spunkiness, youthful energy, and charm. While rarely appearing on popularity charts, Pippy has maintained steady, if minimal, usage throughout English-speaking countries over recent decades.
- Peg
Origin:
Diminutive of Margaret, GreekMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
Peg is a nostalgic turn-of-the-last-century nickname, sociable but slight. Like near-identical twin Peggy, Peg is in mothballs.
- Pierra
Description:
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.
- Philomela
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"lover of songs"Description:
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.
- Pauletta
Description:
Pauletta is a feminine diminutive form of Paula, which derives from the Latin name Paulus meaning 'small' or 'humble.' This charming elaboration adds a touch of elegance and femininity to the more common Paula. While not among the most popular names, Pauletta has maintained a steady presence, particularly in Latin cultures and southern regions of the United States. The name carries a classic, somewhat vintage quality with its traditional roots combined with the softer, more ornate ending. Pauletta strikes a balance between familiarity and distinction—recognizable in form while still uncommon enough to stand out. The name has a melodic quality with its three syllables and gentle consonants.
- Phila
Origin:
Greek, Zulu, XhosaMeaning:
"lover, friend; to live of life"Description:
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".
- Pilot
Origin:
Occupational nameDescription:
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.
- Prudent
Origin:
English virtue nameMeaning:
"cautious"Description:
Prudence is rising again for baby girls. Prudent feels like a more modern spin, even though it too has a Puritan history. Plus, it still gets you to that cute nickname Pru.
- Philomina
Description:
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.
- Pippie
Description:
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 form with the '-ie' ending creates a perpetually youthful, charming quality. Extremely rare as a formal given name, Pippie has a whimsical, cheerful sound that evokes a friendly, spirited personality. The name shares connections with fictional characters in children's literature and may remind some of Pippi Longstocking, adding literary associations of independence and creativity. While seldom appearing on popularity charts, Pippie might appeal to parents drawn to nickname-style given names with an endearing quality, offering their daughter a distinctive name with built-in warmth and approachability.
- Perle
Description:
Perle is a delicate feminine name derived from the French word for 'pearl,' ultimately from Latin 'perla.' This gem-inspired name evokes qualities of rarity, purity, and lustrous beauty. While never extremely common, Perle has maintained steady usage in France and among French-speaking communities worldwide. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century and has seen a small revival among parents seeking vintage names with natural elegance. Perle's single-syllable simplicity combined with its soft ending creates a name that feels both classic and distinctive. The name carries subtle sophistication and a timeless quality that transcends trends.
- Pru
Origin:
Diminutive of Prudence, virtue nameDescription:
With the return of the less obvious virtue names such as Verity and Prudence, vintage nickname names like Pru may follow in their wake.
- Pascasia
Description:
Pascasia is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'Pascha' meaning 'Easter' or 'Passover.' It's the feminine form of Pascasius, traditionally given to children born during the Easter season. This name carries religious significance in Christian traditions, symbolizing renewal, rebirth, and spiritual awakening. Though rare in contemporary use, Pascasia has historical precedent, particularly in Catholic countries and communities. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables and soft sounds. It offers parents seeking a distinctive religious name an option with deep historical roots. Pascasia might appeal to those drawn to vintage names with clear spiritual connections and a feminine, classical sound.