Girl
Greek / Latin
2 syllables
Petra
PET-rah
/ˈpɛtrə/
"The rock" — a name of classical strength, European elegance, and enduring solidity
Petra is the feminine form of Peter, derived from the Greek petros meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' It is the name of the magnificent ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs in modern-day Jordan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary beauty—lending the name a romantic, adventurous quality beyond its simple etymology. Petra is popular across Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Croatia, and is recognized worldwide through the ancient city's fame.
Quick Facts
Letters5
SyllablesPet · ra
GenderGirl
OriginGreek / Latin
Root WordPetros
MeaningRock, stone
PopularityCommon
Peak Year1970
Trend
→ Stable
Name DayJune 29
Nicknames
PetPetiePetra-belle
About the Name Petra
Petra means 'rock' or 'stone,' derived from the Greek petros (rock). It is the feminine form of Peter, the name given by Jesus to his apostle Simon, saying 'upon this rock I will build my church.' As a name, Petra carries associations of solidity, reliability, and quiet, enduring strength.
Petra is very popular in Central and Eastern Europe, consistently ranking in the top 10-20 in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Croatia. In Western countries it is less common but recognized—lending it an appealing European sophistication. Its association with the ancient Jordanian city adds an adventurous, romantic dimension.
Petras are often described as grounded, strong, and quietly self-assured. True to its meaning of rock, the name suggests someone dependable and steadfast—a person you can rely on unconditionally. People named Petra tend to be pragmatic, loyal, and possessed of an unshakeable inner core.
Petra is an ancient archaeological city in southern Jordan, established by the Nabataean people around 300 BC. Famous for its rose-red cliffs and buildings carved directly into the rock, it was the Nabataean kingdom's capital and a major trading center. Rediscovered by Western explorers in 1812, it is now one of the world's most visited archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shared meaning of 'rock' between name and city is not coincidental.
Petra's crisp two syllables pair well with flowing middle names. Beautiful combinations include Petra Rose, Petra Marie, Petra Elise, Petra Claire, and Petra Celeste. For something more European, Petra Renée, Petra Simone, or Petra Luna sound wonderfully cosmopolitan.
Petra is the feminine form of the Latin Petrus, which derives from the Greek petros meaning rock. The Greek word petros was used in the New Testament to render the Aramaic Cephas (also meaning rock), the name Jesus gave his apostle Simon. Petra as a feminine form developed particularly in Slavic countries during the Christian naming tradition and has been popular in Central and Eastern Europe for generations.
Personality of Petra
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Petra
Creativity
76%
Elegance
82%
Independence
86%
Intelligence
84%
Strength
90%
Warmth
74%
Famous People Named Petra
P
Petra (ancient city)
Rose-red UNESCO World Heritage city carved into Jordanian cliffsides
P
Petra Kvitova
Czech tennis player, two-time Wimbledon champion
P
Petra Nemcova
Czech supermodel and philanthropist
P
Petra Stunt (Ecclestone)
British socialite and philanthropist, daughter of Bernie Ecclestone
Middle Names for Petra
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Petra
Petra Rose
Petra Marie
Petra Elise
Petra Claire
Petra Ann
Petra Grace
Petra Jade
Petra Luna
Petra Renee
Petra Simone
Petra Belle
Petra Celeste
Names Similar to Petra
Similar Sound
Similar Meaning
History of Petra
300 BC
The Nabataean city of Petra is established, carved into rose-red stone in Jordan
100 AD
Petra becomes the prosperous capital of the Nabataean kingdom
1812
Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt rediscovers Petra for the Western world
1985
Petra is named a UNESCO World Heritage Site
1990s
Petra is popular across Eastern Europe, particularly in Czech Republic and Slovakia
Numerology & Symbolism of Petra
6
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
6
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Capricorn
4
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Stone Grey
💎
Lucky Stone
Granite
🌸
Lucky Flower
Rock Rose
Petra Around the World
How Petra is written in different languages and scripts
بيترا
Arabic
ペトラ
Japanese
Петра
Russian
페트라
Korean
佩特拉
Chinese
Πέτρα
Greek
पेट्रा
Hindi
פטרה
Hebrew
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