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Girls Names Beginning With P

  1. Petya

    • Origin:

      Bulgarian variation of Petra or Peter, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "stone"

    • Description:

      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.
  2. Parthenia

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "chaste maiden"

    • Description:

      Parthenia may be a bit unwieldy, but does conjure up majestic images of the Parthenon. It was briefly in the US charts in the late 19th century.
  3. 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.

  4. Prudenzia

    • Description:

      Prudenzia is a feminine name of Latin origin, derived from 'prudentia' meaning 'wisdom,' 'foresight,' or 'good judgment.' It's a more elaborate form of the name Prudence, which was popular among Puritans for its virtue-signifying quality. Prudenzia carries an elegant, classical feel with its Italian or Spanish flair, particularly common in regions with strong Roman Catholic traditions. Though relatively rare in contemporary usage, the name appeals to parents drawn to vintage names with strong character associations. Prudenzia suggests a person of thoughtfulness, careful decision-making, and wisdom. The name's rich vowel sounds and melodic quality give it a sophisticated, timeless appeal despite its uncommon usage in modern naming practices.
  5. Pipistrelle

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "bat"
  6. Peru

    • Origin:

      Place name

    • Description:

      An unexplored choice, evocative of the snowcapped Andes, with a pleasant, catchy sound.
  7. Pine

    • Origin:

      Nature name

    • Description:

      Likable addition to the list of unisex tree names.
  8. Pippin

    • Origin:

      Germanic

    • Meaning:

      "awe-inspiring"

    • Description:

      Super-sweet name that was the title of a Broadway play -- but best known as a type of apple. Could also make a cute short form for names like Philippa or Penelope.
  9. Pennington

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "penny town"

    • Description:

      An unconventional route to the nickname Penny. Pennington debuted on the charts for girls in 2015.
  10. Persia

    • Origin:

      Country name

    • Meaning:

      "land of the Parsa"

    • Description:

      The name Persia derives from Avestan Parsa, the name of the Indo-European nomadic people who migrated into southern Iran in about 1000 BCE. Persis or Persea, the feminine form of Perseus, feel more namelike.
  11. Perline

    • Description:

      Perline is a feminine name with French origins, derived from the word 'perle' meaning 'pearl.' It emerged as a variation of names like Pauline and Pearl, offering a distinctive yet elegant option. The name conveys qualities of preciousness and beauty, much like its gemstone association. While not widely common in English-speaking countries, Perline has maintained a quiet presence, particularly in French-speaking regions and among families seeking a name with subtle refinement. Its gentle sound and meaningful connection to something naturally beautiful and rare make it an appealing choice for parents looking for something slightly unconventional yet classically feminine.

  12. Patrice

    • Origin:

      French variation of PATRICIA

    • Meaning:

      "noble"

    • Description:

      Patrice is a more modern-sounding and polished unisex alternative to Patricia.
  13. Pam

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Pamela, English

    • Meaning:

      "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).
  14. 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.
  15. Prunelle

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "little plum"

    • Description:

      This sweet, fruity French name debuted in the American charts in 2020 (but dipped out again the following year). Although it's offbeat, the spunky nicknames Prue and Nell(ie) definitely work in its favor.
  16. 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.
  17. Polyxena

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "very hospitable"

    • Description:

      Polyxena was a minor figure in Greek mythology - a daughter of King Priam and a love interest of the famed warrior Achilles. The name is a bit clunky but could be pulled off by the right woman.
  18. Prewdence

    • Description:

      Prewdence appears to be a variant spelling of Prudence, a feminine virtue name derived from Latin "prudentia" meaning "foresight" or "wisdom." The unusual spelling with "ew" instead of "u" creates a distinctive visual identity while retaining the traditional pronunciation. Prudence was popular among early Puritans as one of the cardinal virtues, representing careful management, practical wisdom, and discretion. While extremely rare in this spelling variation, the name carries the same dignified qualities as its traditional counterpart. Prewdence might appeal to parents seeking a virtue name with a unique spelling. The name suggests thoughtfulness, careful judgment, and moral fortitude, qualities valued across many cultures and time periods.

  19. 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.
  20. Philomine

    • Origin:

      Variation of Philomena, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "lover of strength"

    • Description:

      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.