Boy
Greek / Aramaic
2 syllables
Peter
PEE-ter
/ˈpiː.tər/
"The rock" — an apostle's name built to last two thousand years
Peter comes from the Greek Petros meaning rock or stone, a translation of the Aramaic Cephas given by Jesus to Simon the fisherman. Peter became the first Pope and one of the most prominent apostles. The name was enormously popular throughout Christian Europe in the Middle Ages and into the 20th century, and while it has declined in American usage, it retains a quiet dignity and is experiencing a subtle revival.
Quick Facts
Letters5
SyllablesPe · ter
GenderBoy
OriginGreek / Aramaic
Root WordPetros / Cephas
MeaningRock, stone
PopularityUncommon
Peak Year1955
Trend
→ Stable
Name DayJune 29
Nicknames
PetePetey
About the Name Peter
Peter means rock or stone, from the Greek Petros and the Aramaic Cephas. Jesus gave Simon this name saying upon this rock I will build my church.
Peter was very popular mid-20th century but has declined significantly. It is now outside the top 200 in the US, though it remains a recognized classic and is experiencing a quiet revival.
In Catholic tradition, Saint Peter is considered the first Bishop of Rome and the first Pope. Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is built on the site of his martyrdom.
Peter James, Peter Michael, Peter Thomas, and Peter Alexander are all strong and classic combinations.
Pete is the most common nickname. Petey is an affectionate form. In Slavic languages, Petya is used.
Peters are often described as dependable, principled, and quietly strong — fitting for a name that means rock and was given to the leader of the apostles.
Personality of Peter
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Peter
Creativity
74%
Elegance
76%
Independence
78%
Intelligence
82%
Strength
80%
Warmth
80%
Famous People Named Peter
S
Saint Peter
Apostle of Jesus, first Bishop of Rome and patron saint of the papacy
P
Peter Pan
J.M. Barrie's fictional boy who never grew up
P
Peter Parker / Spider-Man
Marvel Comics superhero
Middle Names for Peter
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Peter
Peter James
Peter Michael
Peter Thomas
Peter Alexander
Peter John
Peter William
Peter Andrew
Peter David
Peter Francis
Peter Joseph
Names Similar to Peter
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Peter
1 AD
Simon renamed Peter (Cephas) by Jesus; becomes the leader of the apostles
64 AD
Peter martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero; Saint Peter's Basilica built on the site
1904
J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan first performed; the character becomes a childhood classic
1955
Peter at peak US popularity, ranking around rank 14
Numerology & Symbolism of Peter
1
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
1
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Aries
7
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Steel Grey
💎
Lucky Stone
Granite
🌸
Lucky Flower
White Carnation
Peter Around the World
How Peter is written in different languages and scripts
بطرس
Arabic
ピーター
Japanese
Пётр
Russian
피터
Korean
彼得
Chinese
Πέτρος
Greek
पीटर
Hindi
פֶּטֶר
Hebrew
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