Girls Names Beginning With P
- 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.
- Pensée
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"thought"Description:
An interesting thought.
- Philippine
Origin:
French, feminine variation of PhilippeMeaning:
"lover of horses"Description:
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.
- 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.
- Perlina
Description:
Perlina is a feminine name derived from 'pearl,' originating from the Latin 'perna,' meaning 'sea mollusk.' This charming diminutive form adds the feminine Italian suffix '-ina,' creating a name that essentially means 'little pearl.' The name evokes the precious gemstone's qualities of rarity, beauty, and value. Perlina has been used occasionally in Italian-speaking regions and among communities with Romance language heritage. While never achieving widespread popularity, Perlina carries an elegant, delicate quality that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet intuitive name. The pearl connection gives it traditional symbolism of purity and precious nature, while the diminutive form adds warmth and affection, making it both sophisticated and endearing.
- Perpétue
Description:
Perpétue is a feminine French name derived from the Latin 'perpetua,' meaning 'continuous' or 'everlasting.' The name carries significant historical weight through its connection to Saint Perpetua, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century who died for her faith in Carthage and whose memoir is one of the earliest known works by a Christian woman. Despite its beautiful meaning and historical significance, Perpétue remains uncommon outside of French-speaking regions and Catholic communities. The name conveys a sense of endurance, faithfulness, and timelessness. With its elegant French pronunciation and accent mark, Perpétue has a sophisticated quality that distinguishes it from more common names.
- Provence
Origin:
French place-nameDescription:
One of the most picturesque and enchanting areas of France could become a distinctive baby name.
- Poppaea
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"of the people"Description:
A cheerful-sounding name from ancient Rome that would be an offbeat route to Poppy as a nickname. Poppaea Sabina was the second wife of the emperor Nero.
- Pine
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
Likable addition to the list of unisex tree names.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pluma
Description:
Pluma is a feminine name derived directly from the Spanish word for 'feather,' giving it associations with lightness, freedom, and natural beauty. This nature-inspired name carries poetic connotations, as feathers symbolize flight, gentleness, and spiritual connection in many cultures. While never common as a given name in Spanish-speaking countries, Pluma has occasionally been chosen by parents attracted to its lyrical sound and evocative meaning. The name has a delicate, ethereal quality that sets it apart from more conventional choices. For literary-minded parents or those seeking nature connections, Pluma offers a distinctive option with built-in symbolism and a gentle, flowing pronunciation.
- Perlette
Description:
Perlette is a feminine name of French origin, derived from 'perle' meaning 'pearl.' It essentially translates to 'little pearl,' with the diminutive suffix '-ette' adding a delicate, endearing quality. This charming name evokes images of something precious, refined, and luminous. While never achieving mainstream popularity, Perlette has remained a distinctive choice for parents seeking something both elegant and uncommon. The name carries connotations of purity, rarity, and natural beauty, much like the gem it references. In French culture, pearls symbolize wisdom acquired through experience, giving the name an additional layer of significance beyond its aesthetic appeal.
- Philothea
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"lover of God"Description:
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 unique baby names that deserves to be discovered.
- 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.
- Piaf
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"sparrow"Description:
Possible musical tribute name to the waiflike, husky-voiced midcentury French singer who was given this last name because of her birdlike quality.
- Péronelle
Description:
Péronelle is a medieval French feminine name that originated as a variant of Petronilla, which itself derives from the Latin name Petronius, meaning 'of rock' or 'rocky.' It was particularly popular in medieval France and England following the Norman Conquest. Péronelle was often used among the nobility and gained significance through Petronilla of Aragon, the queen of Aragon in the 12th century. The name fell out of common usage after the Renaissance period but has occasionally been revived as a connection to French heritage. Today, Péronelle remains a rare name that carries a distinctly historical and aristocratic character, appealing to parents looking for a traditional French name with medieval roots.
- 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.
- Philomine
Origin:
Variation of Philomena, GreekMeaning:
"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.
