P- Boys

Paul

Latin

"small"

Paul is an ancient name for boys -- popular in Roman and medieval times -- that's not very fashionable now, which can work in its favor, scarcity balancing simplicity. To the thousands of girls who…

Philip

Greek

"lover of horses"

Philip, the name of one of the 12 apostles, is still favored by parents in search of a solid boys' classic that is less neutral than Robert or John and more distinctive than Daniel or Matthew and has…

Phillip

Greek

"lover of horses"

Spelling variation of Philip. Exactly as many baby boys were named with the single 'l' spelling in 2017.

Prosper

Latin

"favorable, prosperous"

In France, pronounced PRO-spare, Prosper is a fairly common name; here it presents a worthy aspirational message for a child. Prosper was the name of several early saints, including a noted fifth…

Pembroke

English

"bluff, headland"

Better suited to a stuffy school than a little boy, but it nevertheless has a preppy air that may appeal to some.

Pembrook

Pembrook is a distinguished masculine name with English origins, derived from Old English elements. It combines 'pen' meaning 'enclosure' or 'hill' with 'brook' referring to a stream, creating a…

Penrose

Cornish and Welsh place name and surname

"top of the heath"

Penrose – an ancient locational surname derived from several villages in Cornwall, Wales, and the Welsh border country of England – might work as a first name, although the "Rose" syllable might lead…

Peregrine

Latin

"traveler, pilgrim"

Peregrine is considered to be an elegantly aristocratic name in England, but has never made it to the U.S., where it has been seen as extravagantly eccentric. In the new naming climate, though, it's…

Perrin

Variation of Perry or Peter, English or Greek

"dweller near the pear tree or rock, stone"

Perrin has been in long use as a surname, derived from Peter, and is now used quietly as a first name. It may rise higher now that it's a character name in the popular TV adaptation of Robert…

Pollux

Greek

"crown"

Castor's twin in the constellation Gemini. That final x makes this name modern and cool.

Prospero

Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Prosper

"succeed, prosper"

Shakespeare's Tempest has kept the name Prospero alive.