Boy Names That Start With P

Boy names that start with the letter P have a special charm.

Some families have a tradition of picking names with this letter, while others are just drawn to them.

Here are some popular and unique boy names starting with P.

Popular Boy Names That Start With P

Parker

Parker tops the list of boy names starting with P in the United States.

It’s a unisex name that originates from a term meaning “keeper of the park.”

It was historically an occupational surname in England.

Patrick

Patrick derives from the Latin name Patricius, meaning “nobleman.”

Saint Patrick popularized the name in the fifth century.

Born as Sucat, he was captured by Irish raiders but escaped to later return as a bishop and missionary.

The name has strong Irish associations, even though the original Irish form is Pádraig.

Famous Patricks include actors Patrick Stewart and Patrick Swayze.

Preston

Preston has its origins as an English surname, signifying a “priest town.”

It’s a place name that has evolved into a popular given name.

Phoenix

Phoenix is inspired by the mythical bird that rises from its own ashes.

The name, derived from the Greek word for “dark red,” is unisex.

The name is associated with the city in Arizona and actors Joaquin and River Phoenix.

Paul

Paul comes from the Roman family name Paulus, which means “small” or “humble” in Latin.

It has biblical significance, with Saint Paul being a key figure in early Christianity.

Notable people named Paul include musicians Paul McCartney and Paul Simon, as well as actors Paul Newman and Paul Rudd.

Paxton

Paxton originates from Old English, meaning “Pœcc’s town.”

It was historically used as a surname. A well-known bearer of this name is American football quarterback Paxton Lynch.

Prince

Prince is derived from the English word for the royal title, stemming from the Latin princeps.

The name is famously linked to the American musician Prince, full name Prince Rogers Nelson.

Pablo

Pablo is the Spanish form of Paul.

This name calls to mind famous individuals like Spanish painter Pablo Picasso and Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.

Pedro

Pedro is the Spanish and Portuguese equivalent of the name Peter.

Notable Pedros include actor Pedro Pascal and film director Pedro Almodóvar.

Princeton

Princeton was originally a surname, likely meaning “princely town.”

It’s best known for its association with Princeton University.

Unique Boy Names That Start With P

Paavali

This is the Finnish version of the name Paul.

Paĉjo

If you’re after a truly unique name, consider this diminutive form of Paul from Esperanto (pronounced “pa-chyo”), which also means “papa” in the same language.

Pæga

This name originates from Old English, though its meaning is unknown.

The name Peyton comes from this, meaning “Pæga’s town.” It has historical significance.

Panagiotis

A Greek name derived from a title of the Virgin Mary, “Panagia,” which means “all holy.”

Pankaja

In Sanskrit, this name means “born of mud,” referring to the lotus flower.

It is also another name for the Hindu god Brahma.

Pinocchio

Known from the famous story of the puppet who wanted to become a real boy, this Italian name means “pine eye.”

It was created by Carlo Collodi for his novel and later popularized by Disney in 1940.

Partholón

Likely derived from the biblical Latin name Bartholomeus, meaning “son of Talmai.”

It appears in Irish mythology as the leader of the first settlers in Ireland after the biblical flood.

Pachakutiq

Meaning “changer of the world” in Quechua, this name was borne by a fifteenth-century ruler of the Inca Empire.

Perseus

This Greek name means “to destroy.”

In mythology, Perseus is a hero known for saving the princess Andromeda from the Kraken using Medusa’s head.

Philander

A Greek name that means “friend of man.”

In mythology, Philander was the son of Apollo.

Old-Fashioned P Names for Boys

Pádraig

This name is the Irish form of Patrick.

Pancratius

Derived from the Greek word pankrates, meaning “all-powerful.”

Early Byzantine Christians also used it for Christ.

The name is associated with two saints, one from first-century Sicily and another from fourth-century Rome.

Percival

A figure in Arthurian romance, perhaps created by the twelfth-century French poet Chrétien de Troyes in his poem Perceval, The Story of the Grail.

Percival appears in various Arthurian adaptations in film and literature. The name is also central in Richard Wagner’s opera Parsifal, an alternative spelling of this name.

Pliny

An ancient Roman name originally from the family name Plinius. Its meaning is unknown.

Famous bearers include scientist and historian Pliny the Elder, who died during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and author and statesman Pliny the Younger.

Patton

Originating from an English surname that arose as a diminutive of Patrick.

American World War II general George S. Patton is one of the most notable figures associated with this name.

Peredur

The meaning of Peredur is likely linked to Welsh words for “hard spears.”

Peredur appears in Welsh poetry and histories as one of the chieftains who defeated Gwenddoleu at the Battle of Arfderydd.

Twelfth-century chronicler Geoffrey of Monmouth used Peredurus for a fictitious king of Britain.

Peredur also features in Arthurian romance as an aspiring knight in the fourteenth-century Welsh tale Peredur son of Efrawg.

Peregrine

Derived from the Latin name Peregrinus, which means “traveler.”

It is the name of several early saints. In popular culture, Peregrine was the full name of Pippin in The Lord of the Rings.

Pericles

The Greek name Perikles comes from the words peri, meaning “around” or “exceedingly,” and kleos, meaning “glory.”

Pericles is the Latinized form of this name, famously borne by an Athenian statesman and general in the fifth century B.C.E.

Philibert

An early variant of Filibert, with roots in the Greek word philos, meaning “friend” or “lover.”

It may also have roots in the Germanic element beraht, meaning “bright.”

This name was borne by a seventh-century Frankish saint and Philibert de l’Orme, a French Renaissance architect.

Placido

The Italian form of the Late Latin name Placidus, meaning “quiet” or “calm.”

It is also used in Spain and Portugal as Plácido.

Cool Boy Names That Start With P

Prospero

Prospero comes from an Italian term meaning “prosper.”

It became known thanks to Shakespeare, who used this name for a magician in The Tempest.

Prometheus

Prometheus originates from a Greek word meaning “foresight” or “forethought.”

In Greek mythology, Prometheus is the Titan who brought fire’s secrets to mankind.

Pryderi

Pryderi comes from a Welsh term that means “care” or “worry.”

He is a character in Welsh legend, specifically in The Mabinogion, and is the son of Pwyll and Rhiannon.

Pythagoras

This name combines Pythios, an alternative name for Apollo, and a Greek word that means “assembly” or “marketplace.”

Pythagoras is best known as a sixth-century Greek philosopher and mathematician, famous for his theorem about triangles.

Pierpaolo

Pierpaolo melds the Italian names Piero and Paolo.

It can be spelled as one word or two, like Pier Paolo, such as the names of Italian fashion designer Pier Paolo Piccoli and director Pier Paolo Pasolini.

Pallas

Pallas is derived from a Greek word meaning “to brandish.”

Pallas was a Titan in Greek mythology, and the name can be given to both boys and girls.

Pantheras

Pantheras originates from the Greek word “panther,” with ties to the Sanskrit term.

It also links to Greek words that mean “all” and “to hunt.”

Panu

Panu is a Finnish short form of Urbanus, meaning “city dweller” in Latin.

The name may also come from an ancient Finnish word meaning “flame” or “fire,” and was used by Finnish author Juhani Aho for a novel character.

Partha

Partha means “son of Pritha” in Sanskrit.

In Hinduism, it is another name for the Pandavas, who were sons of Pritha and Pandu.

Patroclus

Patroclus means “glory of the father” in Greek.

He is a legendary hero and close friend of Achilles in Homer’s Iliad and tales of the Trojan War.

International P Boy Names

Përparim

This name comes from the Albanian word meaning “progress” or “advancement.”

Poghos

Poghos is the Armenian form of the biblical name Paul.

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.

Parviz

This Persian name means “fortunate” or “happy.”

It was the name of the son of the Mughal emperor Jahangir.

Pau

Pau is the Catalan and Occitan form of the name Paul, but it also means “peace” in Catalan.

Pilirani

This means “persevere” or “endure” in Chewa, a language spoken in the southern parts of Africa in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

Přemysl

This name comes from the old Slavic name that meant “trick” or “stratagem.”

It was the name of the founder of the Přemyslid dynasty, which ruled Bohemia from the ninth to the fourteenth century.

It’s a name that’s used in Czechia today.

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.

Phirun

Phirun is the Khmer form of Varuna, which originally came from the Sanskrit words meaning “to surround” or “to restrain.”

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.

Biblical Boy Names Starting With P

Peter

Peter comes from the Greek Petros, meaning “stone.” This is the translation commonly used in the New Testament, originally from the Aramaic word Cephas, also meaning “stone.”

Simon received this name from Jesus, and he is one of the most notable apostles, considered by some as the first pope of Rome. Peter has become a prevalent name, seen in various Saint Peters, rulers, and even fictional characters like Peter Pan and Peter Rabbit.

There are also many famous people named Peter, including actors Peter O’Toole, Peter Fonda, Peter Dinklage, and director Peter Jackson.

Phinehas

Phinehas is believed to have Egyptian roots, meaning “Nubian,” but it might also mean “serpent’s mouth” in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, Phinehas is Aaron’s grandson.

Pontius

Pontius is derived from a Roman family name, possibly from an Oscan language—a now-extinct language once spoken in southern Italy—most likely meaning “fifth.”

It might also be linked to the ancient province of Pontus in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey). In the New Testament, Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea, bears this name.

Perez

Perez is an ancient Hebrew name meaning “breach” or “burst forth.” In the Old Testament, Perez is the name of Zerah’s twin brother.

Prochorus

Prochorus comes from the Greek name Prochoros, meaning “leader of the dance.” Saint Prochorus is one of the original seven deacons mentioned in Acts in the New Testament.

Phanuel

Phanuel is a variant of Penuel, which means “facing God” in Hebrew. This name appears in the New Testament as belonging to the father of Anna the prophetess. It is also mentioned in the apocryphal Book of Enoch, associated with an angel.

Paulus

Paulus is the Latin form of the name Paul.

Philemon

Philemon means “affectionate” in Greek. He is a recipient of one of Paul’s letters in the New Testament.

Philetus

Philetus comes from a Greek word meaning “beloved.” In the New Testament, Philetus is noted as a heretic at the church in Ephesus, denounced by Paul.

Philip

Philip is from the Greek name Philippos, signifying “friend of horses.”

It appears in the New Testament, associated with one of the twelve apostles and an early church figure, Philip the Deacon.

The name has historical roots, with Alexander the Great’s father, Philip II of Macedon, bearing it. There have been many Philips in European royalty, including Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II.

Notable Philips include composer Philip Glass, science fiction writer Philip K. Dick, and actor Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Common Boy Names That Start With P

Paddy

This name is the Irish diminutive of Patrick.

Paolo

Paolo is the Italian form of Paul. It has historical significance through painters Paolo Uccello and Paolo Veronese. Modern examples include film director Paolo Sorrentino.

Pascal

Pascal is a French name that comes from the Latin name Paschalis, meaning “relating to Easter.”

Pasha

Pasha is commonly used in Russia as a derivative of Pavel.

Pat

Pat is a short form of Patrick. Notable people with this name include American singer Pat Boone.

Peyton

This name was originally a surname, meaning “Pæga’s town” in Old English. It is unisex, with known personalities such as Peyton Randolph and football quarterback Peyton Manning.

Piers

Piers is a medieval version of Peter. It is known from the fourteenth-century poem Piers Plowman. Media personality Piers Morgan is a famous bearer.

Pepe

Pepe is a common Spanish nickname for Joseph. It became widely recognized through the cartoon character Pepe Le Pew.

Percy

Originally an English surname from the Norman town Persi, Percy became a first name. Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley is a notable example.

Perry

Perry has English and Welsh roots. It might mean “pear tree” or “son of Herry.” Known individuals include actor Matthew Perry and the TV character Perry Mason.

Modern Boy Names Starting With P

Pacey

Pacey comes from an English surname that has origins in the French place name Pacy. Although its ancient Gaulish root has an unknown meaning, the name gained popularity due to the 1990s TV series Dawson’s Creek and its character, Pacey Witter.

Page

Page is a name that dates back to medieval times. Originally a surname from the Middle English word for “servant” or “page,” it has transitioned into a modern first name.

Palmer

Palmer means “pilgrim” and has its roots in the Latin word for “palm.” Pilgrims to the Holy Land would often bring back palm fronds as proof of their journey. The name gained fame as a surname, thanks to musician Robert Palmer, but it is now used commonly as a first name.

Parris

Parris is an English version of the name Paris, known from Homer’s Iliad. Initially an English surname for people from the French city of Paris, it became popular as a given name in the twentieth century.

Payton

Payton is a modern name and a variant of the name Peyton. It fits well into the trend of unique but familiar-sounding names.

Presley

Presley originates from a Middle English term for “priest clearing.” The name became famous due to the musician Elvis Presley.

Today, it serves as both a boy’s and girl’s first name, making it an appealing choice for fans of Elvis.

Paden

Paden is an invented name in line with trending names like Braden, Hayden, and Aidan. The suffix den has been especially popular in names since the late twentieth century.

Peer

Peer is a variant of the name Per, a Scandinavian and Breton form of Peter. The name was notably used for the title character in Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s nineteenth-century play Peer Gynt.

Pippin

Pippin is a name that gained attention through the hobbit character in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. It is a diminutive form of the name Peregrin, adding to its literary charm.

Pierce

Pierce is derived from an English surname that came from the name Piers. The name saw a rise in popularity towards the end of the twentieth century. This was partly due to the actor Pierce Brosnan.