47 Variations of Peter

Peter is derived from the Greek Petros, meaning "rock" or "stone." One of the most important figures in the Christian hagiography is Saint Peter, keeper of the Gates of Heaven. Born Simon bar Jonah, he was given the nickname Peter by Jesus, to signify that he would be the rock on which Christ would build Christianity. Centuries later, there was Peter the Great, the czar who developed Russia as a major European power.

One of the most familiar — if not stereotypical — Gallic names. Pierre was a Top 5 name in France from the 19th century through 1940 and is now on a steady decline in its native land. In the US, Pierre was most common in the 1980s but it has never cracked the Top 300.

Yet another winning international form of Peter.

Pedro is one of the most familiar Spanish names for boys, via baseball star Pedro Rodriguez and many others.

Piero is elegant, melodic, appealing. Just picture the muted frescoes of Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca.

Creative variation on Peter.

Pieter is a masculine name of Dutch and Germanic origin, serving as the Dutch and Afrikaans variant of Peter. Derived from the Greek name Petros, meaning 'rock' or 'stone,' it conveys qualities of strength, reliability, and steadfastness. The name has deep historical roots throughout Northern Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, Belgium, and South Africa. Pieter has been borne by notable figures including the renowned Dutch painters Pieter Bruegel and Pieter Mondrian. While traditional in its home regions, the name maintains consistent popularity rather than experiencing dramatic trends. Pieter offers a distinctive European alternative to the more common Peter, retaining the same strong meaning while providing a touch of continental sophistication.

Wonderful nickname name most often associated in this country with Dutch modernist painter Mondrian. Pronounced PEET.

This is a straightforward choice for parents looking to honor their Greek ancestry.

For Americans, may prove too much of a twist on Peter.

A variant transcription of Russian Pyotr, and also the Polish and Belarusian form of Peter, classic and still very popular there.

So simple, yet so unique: a prime candidate for export. Pronunciation is like the English pair or pear.

So simple, yet so unique: a prime candidate for export. Pronunciation is like the English pair or pear.

Peder? You mean Peter? You'll have to do a lot of spelling and explaining of this one.

Peder? You mean Peter? You'll have to do a lot of spelling and explaining of this one.

A form of the Biblical classic, in Greek, the first syllable is emphasized, whereas in Armenian, the second is stressed. Notable bearers are Greek tennis player Petros Tsitsipas and footballer Petros Mantalos, while historically, Petros Bereketis and Petros Byzantios were Greek-Ottoman musicians.

A diminutive of the Russian form of Peter, used on a character in Leo Tolstoy's novel, War and Peace. In Bulgaria, it is used as a feminine name.

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

Peadar is the Irish Gaelic form of Peter, a masculine name with ancient roots. Derived ultimately from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'stone' or 'rock,' Peadar carries the same powerful symbolism of steadfastness and reliability. In Irish culture, the name has been used for centuries and is pronounced approximately as 'PAD-er' or 'PAY-der.' Peadar reflects Ireland's rich linguistic heritage and offers a distinctive Celtic alternative to the more common Peter. While especially meaningful for those with Irish ancestry, the name has a melodic quality and unique spelling that might appeal to parents seeking something traditional yet uncommon. In Ireland, it connects to the country's strong Catholic tradition, as Peter was the first pope.

Petras is one of the lesser known variations of the classic Peter.