Top Baby Boy Names That Start With P
Whether you are looking for a classic or a modern boy name, you’ll find plenty of great boy names starting with P. Perhaps it’s a family tradition to pick P names for boys or you just like names beginning with the letter. From biblical to unique, check out these good boy names that start with P.
Popular Boy Names That Start With P
If you’re looking for a popular boy name that starts with P, you can’t go wrong with the top 10 boy names in the United States. Check out these top boy names starting with P and see if you can find the right one for your little boy.
1. Parker. Parker comes in at no. 1 in the United States when it comes to popular P boy names. It’s a unisex name that comes from the meaning “keeper of the park” and was an occupational surname in England.
2. Patrick. Coming from the Latin name Patricius, Patrick means “nobleman” in Latin. It was most likely adopted in the fifth century by Saint Patrick—who was born with the name Sucat. He was a Romanized Briton who was enslaved and captured by Irish raiders. After he escaped and went home, he became a bishop and returned to Ireland as a missionary, where legend has it, he got rid of the island’s snakes (as well as Christianizing the island). Patrick has since become a quintessentially Irish name (even though Pádraig is actually the Irish form), with Saint Patrick’s Day being a symbol of Irishness, although it’s been used all over the English-speaking world. Actors Patrick Stewart, Patrick Swayze, and Patrick Wilson are just a few famous examples.
3. Preston. Preston comes from an English surname that comes from a place name meaning “priest town.”
4. Phoenix. This name comes from a mythical bird that rises up from the dead out of its own ashes. Phoenix comes from the Greek word meaning “dark red” and is a name that’s used for both boys and girls these days. It’s perhaps most famous for the city in Arizona and as a surname, with acting brothers River Phoenix and Joaquin Phoenix with this name.
5. Paul. Paul came from a Roman family name Paulus, which meant “small” or “humble” in Latin. Of course, Paul is a biblical name as Saint Paul was an important leader in the early Christian church and featured in Acts in the New Testament as a Jewish Roman citizen who converted to Christianity after resurrected Jesus appeared to him. Since the Bible, Paul has been a popular name for boys, and there are numerous notable Pauls, including artists Paul Cezanne, Paul Gauguin, and Paul Klee; musicians Paul McCartney and Paul Simon; as well as actors Paul Giamatti, Paul Newman, and Paul Rudd.
6. Paxton. Paxton has its roots in the Old English word meaning “Pœcc’s town,” which became a surname. American football quarterback Paxton Lynch is a famous person with this name.
7. Prince. This regal name comes from the English word for the title prince, coming from the Latin princeps. It’s perhaps most famously known for the American musician Prince Rogers Nelson, who just went by Prince.
8. Pablo. Pablo is the Spanish form of Paul. Some of the famous bearers of this name include Spanish painter Pablo Picasso and Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.
9. Pedro. Pedro is used as the Spanish and Portuguese form of Peter. Chilean actor Pedro Pascal and Spanish film director Pedro Almodóvar are well-known figures with this name.
10. Princeton. This given name used to be a surname and most likely means “princely town.” It’s perhaps best known for Princeton University in its use.
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Unique Boy Names That Start With P
If you’re looking for something a little different, you may want to look at these unique P names for boys. These unique baby boy names may be the perfect pick for your baby.
11. Paavali. This is the Finnish form of Paul.
12. Paĉjo. If you’re looking for a truly unique name, you may want to try this Esperanto diminutive of Paul (pronounced “pa-chyo”), which also means “papa” in Esperanto.
13. Pæga. This unique name comes from Old English, but its meaning is unknown. The name Peyton actually comes from this name, meaning “Pæga’s town.” All we know is it’s a name that goes back in history.
14. Panagiotis. Panagiotis is a Greek name that derives from the title of the Virgin Mary (Panagia), which means “all holy.”
15. Pankaja. This name means “born of mud” in Sanskrit, and while on first impressions, it doesn’t seem very nice, it’s referring to the lotus blower. It’s also another name for the Hindu god Brahma.
16. Pinocchio. Everyone knows the story of the puppet who wants to become a real boy, but if you’re looking for a unique name, this could be an interesting option. It means “pine eye” in Italian and was invented by the Italian writer Carlo Collodi for his novel The Adventures of Pinocchio. Of course, it became popularized by Disney with its adaptation of the book in 1940.
17. Partholón. This name most likely comes from the biblical Latin name Bartholomeus, meaning “son of Talmai.” It’s a name that features in Irish mythology, as Partholón was the leader of the first group of settlers to arrive in Ireland after the biblical flood, according to the Book of Invasions, which was written in the eleventh century. He also appears in the ninth-century History of the Britons, which was written in Latin.
18. Pachakutiq. This name means “changer of the world” in Quecha and was borne by a fifteenth-century ruler of the Inca Empire.
19. Perseus. Perseus means “to destroy” in Greek and is the hero in Greek mythology for saving the princess Andromeda from the Kraken with Medusa’s head.
20. Philander. This name comes from the Greek name meaning “friend of man.” In mythology, he was the son of Apollo.
More Unique Boy Names That Start With P
Choosing a baby name can be fun yet also overwhelming. Watch this video for some exciting facts that could help you find the perfect baby name!
Old-Fashioned P Names for Boys
For something classic, peruse these old boy names that start with P. With names from Greek mythology to Arthurian romance, you’ll find some great old-fashioned names starting with P for boys.
31. Pádraig. This name is the Irish form of Patrick.
32. Pancratius. Coming from the Greek word pankrates, meaning “all-powerful”, this is a name that early Byzantine Christians also used for Christ. It’s been used for two saints, one first-century Sicilian and one fourth-century Roman.
33. Percival. Percival is a figure in Arthurian romance and may have been created by twelfth century French poet Chrétien de Troyes in his poem Perceval, The Story of the Grail. This figure appeared in various Arthurian adaptations in film and literature and was also the central character in Richard Wagner’s opera Parsifal, which is an alternative spelling of this name.
34. Pliny. Pliny is a Roman name that was originally from the family name Plinius, whose meaning is unknown. The name became famous due to scientist and historian Pliny the Elder (Gaius Plinius Secundus), who died during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the first century, and author and statesman Pliny the Younger (Caius Plinius Caecilius Secundus).
35. Patton. Patton comes from an English surname, which actually arose as a diminutive of Patrick. The most notable figure we associate with this name is American World War II general George S. Patton.
36. Peredur. The meaning of Peredur is unknown, but it most likely comes from the Welsh words meaning “hard spears.” Peredur features in Welsh poetry and histories as one of the chieftains in Cumbria who defeated Gwenddoleu at the Battle of Arfderydd. Twelfth-century chronicler Geoffrey of Monmouth used the name Peredurus for a fictitious king of Britain. But Peredur’s literary presence doesn’t end there, as the name appears in Arthurian romance, where he is an aspiring knight in the fourteenth-century Welsh tale Peredur son of Efrawg.
37. Peregrine. This name comes from the Latin name Peregrinus, which means “traveler,” and was the name of several early saints. In popular culture, this was also the full name of Pippin in The Lord of the Rings.
38. Pericles. The Greek name Perikles derives from the words peri, meaning “around” or “exceedingly,” and kleos, meaning “glory.” Pericles is Latinized form of this name, which was also used for the name of an Athenian statesman and general in the fifth century B.C.E.
39. Philibert. This is an early variant of Filibert, and has roots in the Greek word philos, meaning “friend” or “lover.” However, it’s also possible that the name has roots in the Germanic element beraht, meaning “bright.” This was the name of a seventh-century Frankish saint and Philibert de l’Orme, a French Renaissance architect.
40. Placido. Placido the Italian form of the Late Latin name Placidus, which means “quiet” or “calm”. It’s also used in Spain and Portugal as Plácido.
More Old-Fashioned Boy Names Starting With P
Cool Boy Names That Start With P
Whether you’re hunting for cool and common middle names for boys or you’re looking for the right first name, have a look at these great boys’ names that start with the letter P.
51. Prospero. Prospero comes from the Italian word for “prosper.” It became famous thanks to William Shakespeare, who used the name for the shipwrecked magician in The Tempest.
52. Prometheus. This name comes from the Greek word prometheia, meaning “foresight” or “forethought.” Prometheus is featured in Greek mythology as the Titan who gave the knowledge of fire to mankind.
53. Pryderi. Pryderi comes from the Welsh word pryder, which means “care” or “worry.” He features in the Welsh legend The Mabinogion as the son of Pwyll and Rhiannon.
54. Pythagoras. Pythagoras is a name that combines Pythios, an alternative name for Apollo, and the Greek word agora, meaning “assembly” or “marketplace.” It’s most notable for the sixth-century Greek philosopher and mathematician, who founded a school of philosophy that believed numbers described the universe (and, of course, that triangle rule we all learned in school).
55. Pierpaolo. This name combines the Italian names Piero and Paolo together. It can be written in one or as Pier Paolo, like with Italian fashion designer Pier Paolo Piccoli and director Pier Paolo Pasolini.
56. Pallas. Pallas comes from the Greek word pallo, meaning “to brandish.” Pallas was a Titan in Greek mythology but can also refer to other characters (Pallas Athena also took this name). It can be used for both boys and girls, although for origin of the name is a little different for girls.
57. Pantheras. This name derives from the Greek word for “panther,” which actually has Sanskrit origin. However, it also has roots in Greek etymology, like the word pan, meaning “all” and therao, meaning “to hunt.”
58. Panu. Panu is the Finnish short form of Urbanus, meaning “city dweller” in Latin. It could also have its roots in an archaic Finnish word meaning “flame” or “fire.” It was also used by Finnish author Juhani Aho for the title character in the novel Panu.
59. Partha. This name means “son of Pritha” in Sanskrit. In the Hindu faith, it’s another name for the Pandavas, who were sons of Pritha and Pandu.
60. Patroclus. Patroclus means “glory of the father” in Greek. In legend, he was one of the heroes and a close friend of Achilles in Homer’s Iliad and tales about the Trojan War.
More Cool Boy Names That Start With P
International P Boy Names
If you’re looking to pick an international name for your little boy, have a look at this cosmopolitan pick of P boy names from Albania to Zambia.
71. Përparim. This name comes from the Albanian word meaning “progress” or “advancement.”
72. Poghos. Poghos is the Armenian form of the biblical name Paul.
73. Putu. This name is traditionally given to the first-born child in Bali and can be used for both boys and girls. It means “grandchild” in Balinese.
74. Parviz. This Persian name means “fortunate” or “happy.” This was the name of the son of the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
75. Pau. Pau is the Catalan and Occitan form of the name Paul, but it also means “peace” in Catalan.
76. Pilirani. This means “persevere” or “endure” in Chewa, a language spoken in southern parts of Africa in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
77. Přemysl. This name comes from the old Slavic name that meant “trick” or “stratagem.” It was also the name of the founder of the Přemyslid dynasty, who ruled Bohemia from the ninth to the fourteenth century. It’s a name that’s used in Czechia today.
78. Pridon. Pridon is the Georgian form of Fereydoun, a Persian name meaning “the third.” Pridon appears in the twelfth-century Georgian epic poem The Knight in Panther’s Skin.”
79. Phirun. Phirun is the Khmer form of Varuna, which originally came from the Sanskrit words meaning “to surround” or “to restrain.”
80. Prasad. This name means “brightness,” “clearness,” “graciousness,” or “offering” in Sanskrit. It’s also the word referring to the offering of food made to a deity in Hinduism.
More International P Names for Boys
Biblical Boy Names Starting With P
The Bible has inspired some of the best-loved names for centuries, and these biblical boy names starting with P are no exception.
91. Peter. Peter comes from the Greek Petros, meaning “stone.” This is the translation used in most versions of the New Testament, which originally was Cephas, the Aramaic word for “stone.” Peter was the name given to Simon by Jesus, and he was one of the most prominent apostles and some consider him the first pope of Rome. It’s become a very common name, with other Saint Peters, kings, rulers, and even fictional figures like Peter Pan and Peter Rabbit with this name. There are many famous Peters, like actors Peter O’Tool, Peter Fonda, Peter Dinklage; and film director Peter Jackson, being examples with this name.
92. Phinehas. This biblical name is thought to have Egyptian roots, meaning “Nubian,” but it’s also believed to mean “serpent’s mouth” in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, Phinehas is the grandson of Aaron.
93. Pontius. Pontius comes from a Roman family name but may originate from an Oscan language—an extinct Italic language spoken in southern Italy—most likely meaning “fifth.” It’s also possible it comes from the ancient province of Pontus in Asia Minor (today’s Turkey). In the New Testament, Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea, appears with this name.
94. Perez. This ancient Hebrew name means “breach” or “burst forth.” In the Old Testament, Perez is the name of the twin brother of Zerah.
95. Prochorus. Prochorus comes from the Greek name Prochoros meaning “leader of the dance.” Saint Prochorus was one of the original seven deacons in Acts in the New Testament.
96. Phanuel. Phanuel is a form of Penuel, meaning “facing God,” in Hebrew. It appears in the New Testament, where it’s given to the father of Anna the prophetess, and also appears in the apocryphal Book of Enoch, belonging to an angel.
97. Paulus. Paulus is the Latin form of the name Paul.
98.Philemon. Philemon means “affectionate” in Greek. He was also a recipient of one of Paul’s epistles in the New Testament.
99. Philetus. Coming from the Greek word meaning “beloved,” Philetus appears in the New Testament as a heretic at the church of Ephesus denounced by Paul.
100. Philip. Philip comes from the Greek name Philippos, meaning “friend of horses,” and although it appears in the New Testament belonging to one of the twelve apostles and an early figure in the Christian church (Philip the Deacon), it’s an ancient Greek name. Alexander the Great’s father, Philip II of Macedon bore this name. There have been numerous Philips in the royal families of Europe, including the husband of the English Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip. Famous Philips include composer Philip Glass, science fiction novelist Philip K. Dick, and actor Philip Seymour Hoffmann.
More Biblical Boy Names Starting With P
Common Boy Names That Start With P
Looking for a common P name for boys that are not in the top 10 most popular names in the United States? Then this list has got you covered!
111. Paddy. This is the Irish diminutive of Patrick.
112. Paolo. Paolo is the Italian form of Paul and has been used by Italian Renaissance painters Paolo Uccello and Paolo Veronese. Italian film director Paolo Sorrentino is a contemporary example of this name.
113. Pascal. Pascal is a common French boy name, which derives from the Latin name Paschalis, meaning “relating to Easter.”
114. Pasha. Pasha is a common derivative in Russia for Pavel.
115. Pat. Pat is a short name for Patrick. American singer Pat Boone is a notable example with this name.
116. Peyton. This name used to be a surname, which meant “Pæga’s town” in Old English. It’s a name used for both boys and girls, with the first president of the Continental Congress Peyton Randolph and American football quarterback Peyton Manning being famous examples.
117. Piers. This is a medieval form of Peter, and even appeared as the name of the main character in the fourteenth-century poem Piers Plowman by William Langland. British media personality Piers Morgan is a famous bearer of this name.
118. Pepe. Pepe is a common Spanish name that’s a diminutive of Joseph. It appeared in the cartoon Pepe Le Pew, as a skunk character.
119. Percy. Percy comes from an English surname that originated from the name of the Norman town Persi. It was a name borne by a noble English family, but eventually became a first name. English romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley is one of the most famous with this name.
120. Perry. This name could have either English or Welsh origins. It may even come from the Middle English word meaning “pear tree” or the Welsh word meaning “son of Herry.” It’s mostly used as a surname, like with actor Matthew Perry, or as a first name, like the title character in the TV show Perry Mason.
More Common Boy Names That Start With P
Modern Boy Names Starting With P
If you want to pick a contemporary, modern name for your little one, whether it’s a name from a TV show, popular culture, or trendy last names as first names, this selection should have what you’re looking for.
131. Pacey. This name comes from an English surname that has roots in the French place name Pacy. This has a Gaulish root, but the meaning is unknown. However, it only really became popular recently as a given name, especially with the 1990s TV series Dawson’s Creek with the character Pacey Witter.
132. Page. Page may have a meaning that goes back to medieval times, and became a surname based on the Middle English word for “servant” or “page,” but it’s become popular as a first name in modern times.
133. Palmer. Palmer means “pilgrim,” but has its roots in the Latin word for “palm.” This is because pilgrims to the Holy Land often bought back palm fronts to prove their journey. It became a surname, like with musician Robert Palmer, but recently it’s used as a first name too.
134. Parris. While the name Paris was used as a name in Homer’s Iliad, this version of the name was an English surname that meant someone who came from the French city of Paris. Like many names that began as surnames, it became popular as a first name in the twentieth century.
135. Payton. This modern name is a variant of Peyton.
136. Presley. Presley comes from the Middle English word for a place meaning “priest clearing,” but it became a surname (popularized by musician Elvis Presley), and then a first name used for both boys and girls. If you’re an Elvis Presley fan, this could be a cool name for your little boy.
137. Paden. This invented name falls in with the trend of names popular at the end of the twentieth century, like Braden, Hayden, and Aidan, and uses the popular suffix den used often for names ever since.
138. Peer. Peer is a variant of the name Per, a Scandinavian and Breton form of Peter. Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen used this as the name of his title character Peer Gynt in his nineteenth-century play.
139. Pippin. Pippin is the name given to a hobbit in J.R.R. Tolkien in The Lord of the Rings (which is a diminutive of Peregrin).
140. Pierce. Pierce came from an English surname that was derived from the name Piers. It mostly grew in popularity at the end of the twentieth century with the actor Pierce Brosnan.
Even More Names Starting with P for Boys
The Bottom Line
Still want to keep looking? Then you can continue the baby-naming party going with more letters. Have a look at boy names that start with Q.
Or perhaps you want to have a look at some names from different countries, like Mexican baby names or Hawaiian boy names. Maybe you’re looking powerful boy names or Italian names for boys.
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