Origin, Meaning and History of Peter
The name Peter is a male given name, originating from the Greek word “Petros,” meaning “rock.” In the Bible, Saint Peter was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and was considered the leader of the early Christian Church.
Peter has a rich history and cultural significance. Saint Peter, also known as Simon Peter, was a fisherman from Galilee who became one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. According to the New Testament, Jesus renamed Simon “Peter” and declared that he would be the rock upon which he would build his church. Saint Peter is regarded as the first Pope of the Catholic Church and is considered a key figure in the development of Christianity.
The popularity of the name Peter can be traced back to the early Christian era when it became a symbol of faith and devotion. Throughout history, the name has been associated with numerous saints and popes, as well as famous historical figures such as Saint Peter the Martyr, a Dominican friar and preacher in the 13th century.
Peter has been widely used in many cultures and countries, including Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In the English-speaking world, the name has been common for many centuries and has undergone various spelling variations, such as “Pieter,” “Petrus,” and “Pedro.” The name Peter is referred to as Pierre in French.
There have been many fictional characters named Peter throughout literature and popular media. One of the most well-known is Peter Pan, the titular character in J.M. Barrie’s children’s book and subsequent adaptations. Another famous Peter is Peter Rabbit, the mischievous protagonist in Beatrix Potter’s beloved children’s stories. In popular culture, there are also many Peters to choose from, including Peter Parker, the alter ego of Spider-Man, and Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. In the Harry Potter series, Peter Pettigrew is a character who goes by the nickname Wormtail, while in the Chronicles of Narnia, Peter Pevensie is one of the four siblings who become kings and queens of the magical land.
Peter
How To Pronounce Peter?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Peter in English.
Famous people with the name Peter
- Peter Gene Hernandez (Bruno Mars)American singer and songwriter
- Peter DinklageAmerican actor, popular for The Hunger Games
- Peter FacinelliAmerican actor, television and film producer
- Peter PorteAmerican actor, gained popularity through television shows
- Peter Lewis Kingston Wentz IIIAmerican musician, singer, and songwriter
Peter On The Popularity Chart
The popularity of the name Peter has varied through time and across different regions and cultures. In the 20th century, it was one of the most common names given to baby boys. You can check out the name’s popularity and rank over time here.
Popularity Over Time
Peter was a popular name for a boy prior to the 20th century with more than 5000 babies per million being given the name. Since then, its popularity has declined gradually, but it remains a common name in many countries.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
The name was one of the most popular names for baby boys in the 1980s and 1990s, reaching the highest ranks at that time. The ranking marginally declined ever since.
Source: Social Security AdministrationPeter On MomJunction Popularity Chart
Know how popular the name Peter is among the MomJunction readers. We used a unique approach to gather relevant insights for creating this popularity chart by observing the interactions and interest around the name on our platform. See what the trend has been among our readers over these past years.
Names With Similar Sound As Peter
If you liked the sound and feel of Peter, but are looking for a name with a different meaning, here are some suggestions you may wish to consider.
Popular Sibling Names For Peter
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Peter, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Peter
Find matching brother names for Peter and create a wonderful team of siblings.
PatriciusPatron Peder Pedro Petar Petr Petrica Petro Petroc Petru Girl Sibling Names For Peter
Looking for some suitable sister names for Peter? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
PatraPatrabali Patralekha Patramudra Patrica Patricia Patricija Patrides Patrie Patrika Other Popular Names Beginning With P
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter P to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As Peter
Like what Peter means, but want a different name to go with the same meaning? Check out your options here!
Popular Songs On The Name Peter
Acrostic Poem On Peter
Dive into the lyrical charm of the name Peter with this acrostic poem. Witness how each letter paints together a story, capturing the name’s individuality, strength, vitality, and sophistication. Inspiring, is it? Why not try a similar poem that describes what you think of your baby’s personality?
Purity in heart and passion in every act.
Eloquent mind blessed with the gift of gab.
Tenacious resolve thrives, triumphant and enduring.
Energetic and enthusiastic, the expeditions you will embark on are endless.
Resourceful and resilient, a tower of strength for everyone.
Peter’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology, also called Jyotisha, provides deep insights into a person’s life based on celestial positions at birth. Rashi and nakshatra, which are an integral part of Jyotisha, are believed to influence an individual’s personality and life events. The following sections give you rashi-related information, such as the associated letters, elements, ruling body, quality, and nakshatra for the name peter. These details help analyze a person’s characteristics, personality, and behavior.
Zodiac Sign (Rashi)
As shown in the following table, each rashi is associated with specific sounds, which are often used as the starting letters of names for newborns in Hindu families. Each rashi is represented by a figure and one of the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space). One ruling celestial body, known as its 'rashi lord' or 'ruler' is assigned to these rashis. These bodies include Venus, Mars, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn. Furthermore, the rashis are assigned various qualities or gunas.
| Rashi (zodiac sign) | Kanya (Virgo) |
|---|---|
| Starting letters for Kanya (Virgo) rashi | P, THA |
| Representation | Virgin girl |
| Element | Earth |
| Ruling body | Mercury |
| Quality | Dual |
Birth Star (Nakshatra)
Another important aspect of Vedic Astrology is the nakshatras, the lunar constellations or star clusters that the Moon occupies during a person's birth. There are 27 nakshatras, each with its own unique qualities, attributes, and symbolism. Each rashi contains two-and-one-fourth nakshatras in it. For example, Aries contains Ashwini, Bharani, and Krithika nakshatras.
The below table provides information on the nakshatras’ degrees on the zodiac circle, their lords and related syllables, for babies born in the Kanya (Virgo) rashi. These syllables/phonetics are popularly used to choose the baby name. For precise nakshatra calculation based on your baby's birthplace and date, use our Nakshatra Calculator.
| Nakshatra | Degrees Of The Nakshatra | Nakshatra Lord (Ruler) | Name Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uttara Phalguni (Uthiram, Utram) | Virgo (0 to 10 degrees) | Sun | Te, Ta, Taa, To, Pa, Paa, Pi, Pee |
| Hastha (Atham, Hastam) | Virgo (10 to 23.20 degrees) | Moon | Pu, Sha, Shaa, Na, Poo, Tha |
| Chitra (Chitta, Chithira) | Virgo (23.20 to 30 degrees) | Mars | Pe, Po, Ra, Raa, Ri, Ree |
Infographic: Know The Name Peter‘s Personality As Per Numerology
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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Peter In Different Languages
It’s exciting to see our baby’s name spelled and written in various languages. See how people spell Peter in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more! Each language has its own way of saying Peter, but it’s still the same special name. Learn how the name looks and sounds in different languages around the world!
| Name | Language | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Peter | English | en |
| 彼得 | Chinese | zh-CN |
| पीटर | Hindi | hi |
| Peter | Spanish | es |
| Peter | French | fr |
| نفذ | Arabic | ar |
| পিটার | Bengali | bn |
| Peter | Portuguese | pt |
| Питер | Russian | ru |
| پیٹر | Urdu | ur |
| Peter | Indonesian | id |
| Peter | German | de |
| ピーター | Japanese | ja |
| पीटर | Marathi | mr |
| పీటర్ | Telugu | te |
| Peter | Turkish | tr |
| பீட்டர் | Tamil | ta |
| Peter | Vietnamese | vi |
| Peter | Tagalog | tl |
| 베드로 | Korean | ko |
| Peter | Hausa | ha |
| Peter | Swahili | sw |
| Peter | Javanese | jv |
| Peter | Italian | it |
| ਪੀਟਰ | Punjabi | pa |
| પીટર | Gujarati | gu |
| ปีเตอร์ | Thai | th |
| ಪೀಟರ್ | Kannada | kn |
| ጴጥሮስ | Amharic | am |
| पीटर | Bhojpuri | bho |
| Peter | Yoruba | yo |
How To Communicate The Name Peter In Sign Languages
In Nautical Flags
peter
In Sign Language
peter
In Braille Alphabet
peter
In Morse Code
peter
Name Numerology For Peter
Numerology is an occult system that gives significance to numbers and their influence on human life and destiny. Numerologists attribute specific qualities, energies, and characteristics to a number. Parents who believe in numerology prefer to choose baby names that resonate positively with the child’s unique numerical vibrations, often derived from their date of birth. Here we give a general birth number and personality traits of the name Peter, based on the Pythagorean (Western) system. This analysis will differ from child to child based on their date of birth. You may use our numerology calculator for more personalized information.
Baby Name Lists Containing Peter
Read through our baby name lists that include the name Peter and several other similar names. The wider the choice, the better your selection. Isn't it?
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Movie Titles Inspired By The Name Peter
Discover the presence of Peter in an array of films. Know about the various movies that have this name.
| Movie title | Other titles | Release year |
|---|---|---|
| That Peter Crouch Film | Der Peter Crouch Film, Filmen om Peter Crouch, Şu Peter Crouch Filmi | 2023 |
| Peter Case: A Million Miles Away | 2023 | |
| Peter von Kant | Петер фон Кант, 페터 폰 칸트, 彼特的苦淚, 淚比死更冷, 苦い涙 | 2022 |
| Peter O'Toole: Along the Sky Road to Aqaba | Peter O'Toole | 2022 |
| Mick Fleetwood & Friends Celebrate the Music of Peter Green | Mick Fleetwood & Friends, Mick Fleetwood and Friends celebrate the Music of Peter Green | 2021 |
| Peter K. - Alone against the State | 2021 | |
| Hating Peter Tatchell | El odioso Peter Tatchell, Peter Tatchell og haterne, Peter Tatchell: Do ódio Ao Amor, Peter Tatchell: Nhân Quyền và Tranh Cãi, Peter Tatchell'den Nefret Etmek | 2021 |
| Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway | Králik Peter na úteku, Nyúl Péter 2. - Nyúlcipő, Pedro Coelho 2: O Fugitivo, Pelle Kanin 2 - På rymmen, Petar Zecimir: Skok u avanturu, Peter Hase 2, Peter Hase 2 - Ein Hase macht sich vom Acker, Peter Iepurașul: Fugit de acasă, Peter Kanin hopper hjemmefra, Peter Rabbit 2, Peter Rabbit 2: A la fuga, Peter Rabbit 2: Un birbante in fuga, Peter Rabbit, conejo en fuga, Peter Rabbit: Coelho à Solta, Peter Rabbit: Conejo en fuga, Peter Rabbit: Kaçak Tavşan, Peter Rabbit: Rabbit: On the Run, Peter Zajec: skok v pustolovscino, Petter Kanin 2, Petter kanin: Hopper hjemmefra, Petteri Kaniini: Kani karkuteillä, Pétur Kanína 2, Pierre Lapin 2; Panique En Ville, Pierre Lapin 2: Le fugueur, Pierre Lapin 2: Panique en ville, Pieter Konijn op de vlucht, Piotruś Królik 2: Na gigancie, Thỏ Peter 2, Triušis Piteris 2: Pabėgimas, Trusītis Pēterītis 2: Mazais bēglis, Uzunquloq Piter 2, Πίτερ Ράμπιτ: Ο λαγός το 'σκασε, Зайчето Питър: По широкия свят, Зец Пе | 2021 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Peter?
The name Peter means ‘rock.’
2. What is the origin of the name Peter?
Peter is of Greek origin.
3. How to pronounce the name Peter?
Peter is pronounced as pee-tehr.
4. What are some baby names that mean ‘rock’ or ‘stone,’ like Peter?
Several baby girl names have meanings related to rock or stone. Dunstan is an English boy’s name that signifies a ‘dark stone’ or ‘hill with stones.’ Similarly, the Old Norse origin of the name Stein gives it the straightforward meaning of ‘stone.’ As for the gender-neutral name Sela, it has Hebrew origins and translates to ‘rock.’
5. Are there any biblical baby names similar to Peter?
Simon is a Hebrew and Greek boy’s name and is found in the New Testament. Notably, Simon Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, and Simon, one of Jesus’ brothers, are among the well-known figures (1). Andrew, a Greek name for boys, is identified as a disciple of Jesus and the brother of Simon Peter in the New Testament (2). John, a masculine name of Hebrew origin featured in the Bible in the form of John the Apostle, also known as John the Divine and John the Son of Zebedee, is one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus (3).
6. What are some nickname options for the name “Peter”?
The name Peter offers a variety of endearing and playful nicknames. Diminutives of the name include Pete in English and Piet in Dutch. In Danish, it can be rendered as Peer or Per, while in Swedish, it can be Pär, Pehr, Pelle, or Per. Similarly, Peer and Per are common diminutive forms of Peter in Norwegian.
References:
- Simon;
https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bd/simon?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bd/simon - St. Andrew Biography;
https://saintandrewmidmon.org/st-andrew-biography - John the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved;
https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2019/01/john-the-disciple-whom-jesus-loved?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2019/01/john-the-disciple-whom-jesus-loved
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