Girls Names Beginning With P
- Pollyanna
Origin:
English compound name, Polly + AnnaMeaning:
"beloved + grace"Description:
Has become a byword in English for an overly optimistic person, thanks to the eponymous children's book heroine. Polly is an antiquated short form of Mary.
- 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.
- Providence
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"divine protection or care"Description:
A Puritanical virtue name and also a place name, belonging to the state capital of Rhode Island and several other towns and cities in the US.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pasquette
Description:
Pasquette is a feminine French diminutive form of Pascal or Pasqua, names ultimately derived from the Latin 'Pascha' meaning 'Easter.' Historically used in French-speaking regions, Pasquette would typically be given to girls born during the Easter season. The name carries cheerful spring associations and religious significance related to rebirth and renewal. The diminutive suffix '-ette' adds a delicate, feminine quality to the name. While never achieving widespread popularity, Pasquette has a lyrical, distinctive sound that evokes French heritage. Today, it remains a very rare choice that would stand out for its uniqueness and seasonal connection.
- 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.
- Prune
Origin:
Fruit nameDescription:
Prune is a fruit name loved by the French, for whom it's a Plum equivalent. In the U.S., Plum works, but Prune is not a name we'd want to inflict on a child. Prunella is slightly more plausible.
- 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.
- Philomene
Description:
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.
- 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.
- Pennelope
Description:
Pennelope represents a modern spelling variation of the classic Greek name Penelope. While maintaining the pronunciation of the traditional form, this variant incorporates a doubled 'n,' giving it a distinctive appearance. The original name derives from Greek mythology, where Penelope was the faithful wife of Odysseus known for her cleverness and loyalty. This alternative spelling emerged from contemporary trends favoring unique renderings of traditional names. Though less common than the standard spelling, Pennelope offers the same rich mythological heritage and beloved nickname options like Penny. The name conveys intelligence and faithfulness through its classical associations while its modified spelling adds a touch of individuality for parents seeking a slightly unconventional choice.
- Patzi
Origin:
Native American, OmahaMeaning:
"yellow bird"Description:
Though unrelated, this would probably be taken as a fanciful spelling of Patsy.
- Pari
Origin:
Iranian/PersianMeaning:
"fairy"Description:
Simple yet meaningful Iranian name that would make an excellent import to the English-speaking world.
- Pureza
Description:
Pureza is a feminine name of Spanish and Portuguese origin meaning 'purity' or 'cleanness,' derived from the Latin 'puritas.' The name embodies spiritual and moral qualities associated with innocence and virtue. Historically, it has connections to Catholic traditions, particularly the concept of 'La Pureza de María' (The Purity of Mary). While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Pureza maintains modest popularity in Spanish-speaking nations and Portugal. The name carries a lyrical quality with its soft consonants and open vowel endings. For many families, choosing Pureza reflects cultural heritage or religious devotion, while also offering a beautiful, meaningful option with a clear positive connotation.
- Pemau
Origin:
Aboriginal AustralianDescription:
According to actress Yael Stone, who used this name for her daughter, it comes from the Djanbun clan of the Bundjalung nation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Peru
Origin:
Place nameDescription:
An unexplored choice, evocative of the snowcapped Andes, with a pleasant, catchy sound.
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