Peter
Peter first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1957, when 11,603 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,954.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Peter popular?
Steady Peter has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 1957.
| 2020s | 10,923 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 18,725 | |
| 2000s | 26,136 | |
| 1990s | 42,394 | |
| 1980s | 56,713 | |
| 1970s | 62,320 | |
| 1960s | 92,418 | |
| 1950s | 102,747 | |
| 1940s | 69,330 | |
| 1930s | 35,822 | |
| 1920s | 34,066 | |
| 1910s | 24,935 | |
| 1900s | 4,375 | |
| 1890s | 4,028 | |
| 1880s | 4,656 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Peter mean?
From the Greek petros, “rock.” Jesus renames the apostle Simon as Peter, the rock of the church.
Nicknames for Peter
- Pete
- Petey
Variants & spellings
- Pedro
- Pietro
- Pierre
Names like Peter
Greek names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Peter
Popular Greek names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Peter
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Peter mean?
Peter means Rock, stone. From the Greek petros, “rock.” Jesus renames the apostle Simon as Peter, the rock of the church.
What is the origin of the name Peter?
Peter is of Greek origin.
How do you pronounce Peter?
Peter is pronounced “PEE-ter.”
Is Peter a boy or a girl name?
Peter is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Peter a popular name right now?
Peter has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 1957.
How popular is the name Peter?
In 2025, Peter ranked #187 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Peter most popular?
Peter was most popular in 1957, when about 11,603 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Peter?
Common nicknames for Peter include Pete, Petey.
What names are similar to Peter?
Names similar to Peter include Paul, John, Simon, Andrew.
What names go well with Peter?
Greek names that pair well with Peter include Christopher, Cynthia, Andrew, Helen, Timothy.