Boy · 3475th of 16,616
Pieter
Generational story
Where Pieter 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 Pieter has its roots in the Greek 'Petros', which translates to 'rock' or 'stone'. It evolved through Latin as 'Petrus' before taking its current form in Dutch. The name is closely associated with Saint Peter from the Bible, emphasizing qualities of strength and stability. Its popularity surged during the Middle Ages in the Netherlands, and it retains a traditional and respected status in contemporary Dutch culture.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈpiːtər/
Origin
Dutch
Etymology
The name Pieter is derived from the Greek name 'Petros', meaning 'rock' or 'stone'. It has been adopted in various forms in different languages, primarily through the influence of Saint Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus.
Meaning
rock, stone
Language Evolution
Petros (Greek), Petrus (Latin), Pieter (Dutch)
Biblical Background
The name is associated with Saint Peter, who is considered the 'rock' of the Christian Church.
Historical Usage
Pieter became popular in the Netherlands during the Middle Ages and has remained a common name in Dutch-speaking regions.
Variants & Derivatives
Peter, Piet, Pietro, Pierre
Modern Popularity & Image
Pieter is regarded as a traditional and strong name in Dutch culture, often associated with reliability and steadfastness.
Famous People
Pieter Bruegel the Elder - Renowned Flemish painter, Pieter van der Meer - Prominent Dutch scientist, Pieter de Hooch - Notable Dutch painter
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 24 peak births in 1967
Geographic Spread
Popular across 2 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 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 6 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3652nd of 6773 | 74 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2600th of 7552 | 189 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2416th of 10718 | 254 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3475th of 16616 | 249 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6139th of 24088 | 192 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 12223rd of 23106 | 48 |