Latin Names that Start With P

In France, pronounced PRO-spare, Prosper is a fairly common name; here it presents a worthy aspirational message for a child.

Petronilla is an ancient saint's name that relates to the Roman family name Petronius, thought to mean yokel or woodpecker, though some connect it with Petra or Peter, meaning stone. With the resurgence of so many ancient Roman names, the elaborate and pretty Petronilla or its French form Petronille seem more usable these days than they have in centuries.

Pastor might be a brother for Parson and Deacon.

A 3rd century saint's name sometimes used in Catholic communities, and in Western European countries like Portugal and Italy.

Pacific is an adventurous kind of place-name, with the added bonus of the association with peace.

The revival of long-dormant Roman names would put this back in the lexicon if it wasn't so connected to a telecommunications network.

While patriot Thomas Paine is a worthy honoree, the mere association with the word 'pain' knocks this name out of bounds.

Though many might find it too syrupy, hundreds of parents each year choose this name for their daughters to make them feel special. Precious Ramotswe is the engaging African sleuth in the popular No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.

Prince rose to its highest ranking in a century in 2015, and the tragic death of its most famous bearer in April 2016 propelled it even higher. The Purple Rain legend isn't its only tie to pop royalty: Michael Jackson chose it for not one but two of his sons. Royal names such as King and Prince, once thought of as canine, have begun to be used by human non-royals for their sons.

Most ella names are hot, but this is one that won't catch fire because of the disagreeable connotations of prunes.

Pryor is for those in search of an unusual occupational name...or in memory of comedian Richard.

Will assure your daughter she's numero uno.

A place name relating to the tropical palm tree.

Primula is related to Primrose, the name and the flower, and would make a quirky yet charming (or is it charming yet quirky?) botanical name for a first daughter.

The perv connection crosses this name off the list.

Phar-phetched.

Cute as a nickname, slight as a first.

Roman statesman and Caesar rival whose name, like other classical choices, was occasionally used for enslaved people. The Pompeo version could rise again.