Boy Dog Names That Start With P

Cooler and rarer than Pedro, but also has a slightly industrial sound.

The newest surname names move beyond the Waspy, and this is an excellent example, associated these days with gossip blogger Perez (born Mario) Hilton.

Sixties-style short form that sounds cool again -- though the unscrupulous Pete on "Mad Men" is not a character to emulate.

Pistol is one of the new names that entered the lexicon in the US in 2013, when it was given to nine babies of each gender. Call it an equal-opportunity badass baby name with an unfortunately violent image.

Though Patrice is still common for boys in France, it has long been feminine here.

The feminine version, Perdita, is more familiar here.

One celebrity baby Pilot put this occupational choice into the pool -- together with the middle name Inspektor, something we wouldn't advise following.

Pancho is a bit more problematic than such similar names as Pablo and Paco because of the Pancho Villa association.

In mythology, another name for Aphrodite -- but the rare feminine name that sounds better for a boy.

Le Pew. We don't think so, although it's a megacommon nickname name in Latino countries.

Painter is among the most creative choices in this very fashionable category of names, with a particularly pleasant sound. Whereas most occupational names conjure up physical labor, this one feels like a gateway to the arts.

The final o in Patricio adds a bit of punch and pizzazz, though it also spins the name closer to the feminine Patricia.

Common surname rarely used as a first.

Power is one of the new crop -- Justice, Liberty, Peace -- of strong, clear-cut, declarative choices, though this one carries more assertiveness than virtue.

Opera star Domingo was responsible for giving this popular Latin name its green card. It was commonly used by early Christians to convey their serenity in the faith, and it was borne by several minor saints.

As seen on SNL, Pat is the ultimate androgynous name. Stick with long form Patrick, and make sure everyone calls him Patrick.

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

A worthy honoree that would place a too-heavy expectation on a child, probably subjecting him to ridicule. Try Pablo instead.

Peanut Kai is the crazy celebrity baby name of the son of General Hospital star Ingo Rademacher and his fiance Ehiku. Cute but not recommended.

Ambitious geographical name.