Girls Names Beginning With P
- 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.
- Publia
Origin:
Latin, feminine form of PubliusMeaning:
"of the people"Description:
An ancient Roman name that hasn't found favor in the modern world.
- Peita
Description:
Peita is a feminine name with possible roots in both Greek and Maori traditions. In Greek context, it may be related to 'petra' meaning 'rock' or 'stone,' symbolizing strength and stability. In Maori usage, it could be a variant spelling of 'Peta,' the Maori form of Peter. The name has a gentle yet distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common feminine names. Peita remains relatively rare in most English-speaking countries, giving it a unique quality for parents seeking something uncommon. The name has a pleasant rhythm and modern feel while potentially carrying cultural significance. Its brevity and easy pronunciation contribute to its appeal for contemporary parents looking for something both accessible and unusual.
- Phillis
Origin:
Spelling variation of Phyllis, GreekMeaning:
"green bough"Description:
The Phillis spelling of this once-popular name lives on thanks to Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American to publish a book of poetry, in the 18th century.
- Piano
Description:
Piano is an unusual feminine name derived from the musical instrument, which itself comes from the Italian word 'piano,' meaning 'soft' or 'quiet.' As a given name, Piano is extremely rare, representing the category of musical names that occasionally appear in contemporary naming practices. Parents who choose this name likely have strong associations with music, perhaps as musicians themselves or deep appreciators of piano music. The name carries artistic connotations and suggests creativity, expression, and cultural refinement. While unusual as a given name in most cultures, Piano exemplifies the modern trend toward noun names with personal significance. Its distinctive quality ensures its bearer would have a truly unique identifier.
- Parthenia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Panama
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Sharing her name with a country, a city, an isthmus, a gulf, a canal, and a hat might be a bit much for a child to handle.
- 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.
- Porter
Origin:
English from French occupational nameMeaning:
"doorkeeper or carrier"Description:
Porter is one clubby surname or occupational that was given to around 80 baby girls in the US last year -- and nearly 600 baby boys.
- 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.
- Pyrite
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"fire stone"Description:
So named because it emits sparks when struck with a stone.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pernella
Origin:
French, from GreekMeaning:
"rock"Description:
One of the least appealing of the ella-ending names, especially if you check pernicious in the dictionary.
- Peru
Origin:
Place nameDescription:
An unexplored choice, evocative of the snowcapped Andes, with a pleasant, catchy sound.
- 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.
- 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".
- 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.
- Pierette
Origin:
French, feminine diminutive of PeterDescription:
Balletic, à la pirouette.
- Pompeia
Origin:
Feminine form of Pompeius, RomanMeaning:
"five"
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