Girls Names Beginning With P
- 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.
- Petya
Origin:
Bulgarian variation of Petra or Peter, GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Peppi
Origin:
Finnish variation of Pippi and Pepa, Swedish, SpanishMeaning:
"lover of horses; Jehovah increases"Description:
Peppi ranked in the Finnish Top 50 from 2007-2012, where it was used for hundreds of baby girls each year. In Finland, Peppi is used as the translation for Pippi in the Pippi Longstocking books.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Placidie
Description:
Placidie is a rare feminine name with French and Latin origins. It derives from the Latin name 'Placidius' (masculine form) or 'Placidia' (feminine form), stemming from the Latin word 'placidus' meaning 'calm,' 'quiet,' or 'gentle.' Historically, the name was associated with Galla Placidia, a significant 5th-century Roman empress. Placidie is more commonly found in French-speaking regions, particularly among families with connections to France or French colonial heritage. The name has never been popular in English-speaking countries, remaining a rare and distinctive choice. Those named Placidie might appreciate its elegant sound, peaceful meaning, and rich historical connections. The name suggests qualities of serenity, tranquility, and a composed demeanor—attributes many would find desirable in today's fast-paced world.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prudentiane
Description:
Prudentiane is an exceptionally rare feminine name derived from the Latin word 'prudentia,' meaning 'foresight,' 'wisdom,' or 'prudence.' It appears to be an elaborate variant of Prudence, extended with a French-influenced suffix. The name carries strong associations with the classical virtue of prudence—one of the four cardinal virtues in classical antiquity and Christian tradition. Prudentiane has a formal, almost regal quality with its multi-syllabic structure and elegant ending. The name has never been in common use, making it an extremely distinctive choice. While it might present some pronunciation challenges, Prudentiane offers the more accessible nickname options of Prue or Prudie. For parents seeking a name with classical roots and intellectual associations that remains genuinely unique, Prudentiane represents an uncommon treasure with substantial historical depth.
- 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.
- Paulille
Origin:
French, feminine variation of PaulDescription:
Almost completely unknown in this country: an intriguing possibility.
- 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.
- Pearla
Description:
Pearla is a feminine name derived from 'pearl,' the precious gem formed within oysters. This variation adds a softened, more feminine ending to the direct gem name. While Pearl gained popularity during the late Victorian era when gem and virtue names were fashionable, Pearla has always remained a less common alternative. The name evokes qualities associated with pearls: purity, rarity, elegance, and natural beauty. Pearla peaked in usage during the early 20th century but has since become quite uncommon. This name carries vintage charm while maintaining connections to nature and precious objects. A person named Pearla might appreciate their name's distinctive quality that remains recognizable and pronounceable across many cultures.
- Poppi
Origin:
Spelling variation of Poppy, flower nameDescription:
Word name Poppy with a contemporary make-over. Poppi was given to 6 girls in England and Wales and 49 babies in the US in a recent year. WWE star Torrie Wilson chose this spelling for her daughter in 2025.
- 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.
- Perri
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dweller near a pear tree"Description:
For boys, this name calls to mind old-school detective Perry Mason. But peppy Perri is coming around as part of a group of boyish nicknames for girls - along with favorites like Leni and Charlie.
- Pyrite
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"fire stone"Description:
So named because it emits sparks when struck with a stone.
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