Baby Names That Start With P: 31 Girl & Boy Names With Meanings
P names feel playful and polished, from storybook picks like Penelope and Poppy to strong classics like Patrick and Peter. This list gathers 31 names that start with P, with the meaning, origin and a short note on each.
Reviewed
Where an origin is uncertain, as with Penelope and Portia, we say so. Names are grouped by gender and ordered roughly from classic to distinctive.
Our top picks
Girl names (16)
- PaigeEnglishyoung assistant, pageSimple and friendly.
- PaisleyScottishfrom the Scottish town of Paisley (church)A patterned name for a fun child.
- PalomaSpanishdoveSoft and Spanish.
- PandoraGreekall-giftedA myth-rich name.
- PearlEnglishthe gem, a pearlA vintage gem.
- PenelopeGreekuncertain; the faithful wife of OdysseusA top girls' name with nicknames Penny and Nell.
- PennyEnglisha short form of PenelopeCheerful and old-fashioned.
- PetraGreekrockStrong and rare.
- PhilippaGreeklover of horsesA traditional name with the nickname Pippa.
- PiaLatindevout, piousShort and sweet.
- PilarSpanishpillarStrong and Spanish.
- PiperEnglishpipe playerA musical occupational name.
- PoppyEnglishthe poppy flowerCheerful and bright.
- PortiaLatinuncertain; a Roman family nameA Shakespearean heroine.
- PrimroseEnglishfirst roseSweet and vintage.
- PriscillaLatinancient, venerableA classic that is rarely used for new babies.
Boy names (12)
- PabloSpanishsmall, humble (the Spanish form of Paul)Artistic, as in Picasso.
- PascalFrenchof EasterSmart and French.
- PatrickLatin / IrishnoblemanIrish and friendly.
- PaulLatinsmall, humbleA classic apostle's name.
- PaxtonEnglishPack's townModern and easy.
- PedroSpanishrock (the Spanish form of Peter)Warm and widely used.
- PercyFrenchuncertain; a Norman place nameCharming and vintage.
- PeterGreekrockA classic apostle's name.
- PhilipGreeklover of horsesRoyal and regal.
- PierceEnglishrock (from Piers)Sharp and short.
- PorterEnglishgatekeeper, carrierAn occupational name.
- PrestonEnglishpriest's townA popular surname-name.
Unisex names (3)
- ParkerEnglishkeeper of the parkA polished occupational surname.
- PeytonEnglishPæga's townFamiliar and friendly.
- PhoenixGreekthe mythical bird of rebirthBold and symbolic.
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How to choose
Nicknames galore
Penelope gives you Penny and Nell, Patricia gives you Trish and Patty, and Philip gives you Phil and Pip. A rich nickname list gives the child options.
Flower and gem names
Poppy, Primrose, Pearl and Peony come from flowers and gems. They are cheerful, easy to explain and often vintage.
Surname-names for boys
Parker, Preston, Porter and Paxton began as surnames, and they pair well with a classic middle name.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular baby names that start with P?
Penelope, Piper, Paisley and Poppy are popular for girls, while Preston, Parker and Patrick are popular for boys.
What are unique baby names that start with P?
Pandora, Petra, Philippa, Pascal and Porter are rarer but easy to pronounce.
What are gender-neutral baby names that start with P?
Parker, Peyton and Phoenix are used for any gender.
What P names mean flower?
Poppy, Primrose and Peony are all inspired by flowers.
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