Boy · 66th of 16,616
Peter
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
589,576
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1957
Peak Popularity Year
11,629
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Peter stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Peter originates from the Greek word 'petros,' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' It evolved through several languages, including Latin and Old French, and is strongly associated with its biblical roots as the name of one of Jesus' apostles. Traits commonly associated with the name include strength and steadfastness. It has been popular since the early church period and remains widely used today, often seen as a classic choice.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈpiːtər/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Peter is derived from the Greek word 'petros,' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' It was used in the New Testament to refer to one of Jesus' apostles, Simon, who was given the name Peter by Jesus to signify his role as a foundational figure in the Christian church.
Meaning
rock, stone
Language Evolution
Petros (Greek), Petrus (Latin), Petrus (Old French), Pieter (Dutch), Pierre (French), Pietro (Italian), Pedro (Spanish)
Biblical Background
The name Peter has significant biblical relevance as it was given to Simon, one of Jesus' closest followers, symbolizing his stability and leadership within the early Christian community.
Historical Usage
Peter gained popularity in the Christian context after the early church period, becoming a common name in Christian Europe during the Middle Ages.
Variants & Derivatives
Piet, Petra (feminine form), Pietro, Pedro, Pierre
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Peter is viewed as a classic and timeless name, often associated with strength and reliability. It remains a popular choice in many cultures, particularly within Christian communities.
Famous People
Peter the Great (Russian Tsar), Peter Parker (fictional character, Spider-Man), Saint Peter (Christian apostle), Peter Gabriel (musician), Peter Jackson (film director)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 11,629 peak births in 1957
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Connecticut
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 1 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 54th of 7545 | 56,420 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 49th of 6773 | 79,280 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 39th of 7552 | 185,305 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 48th of 10718 | 110,543 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 66th of 16616 | 82,494 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 154th of 24088 | 42,428 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 215th of 23106 | 22,036 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2301st of 9107 | 260 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1980th of 9204 | 324 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2523rd of 12526 | 380 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2428th of 19264 | 519 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3793rd of 27321 | 408 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 21209th of 35406 | 34 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 28476th of 30306 | 6 |