What does the name Peter mean? Peter means “rock” or “stone.” The name comes from the Greek Petros and is linked to the Aramaic Cephas, which also means rock. In the Bible, Jesus gave Simon the name Peter, which made the name a strong symbol of faith, strength, and a firm foundation.
If you are asking where does the name Peter come from, the answer is simple. Peter is an old and well-known boy name with Greek and biblical roots. It has been used for centuries in churches, books, and everyday life.
Many parents like it because it is short, classic, and easy to say. People also search what does Peter mean in the Bible, is Peter a Greek name, and what does the name Peter mean spiritually. This guide answers all of those questions in clear, simple language.
Quick Facts About the Name Peter
Meaning at a Glance
The facts below combine Peter’s meaning, pronunciation, origin, and current U.S. popularity from trusted name and government sources.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Rock, stone |
| Origin | Greek |
| Related root | Aramaic Cephas |
| Latin form | Petrus |
| Pronunciation | PEE-ter |
| Gender | Masculine |
| Common nickname | Pete |
| U.S. rank in 2024 | #192 |
| Change from 2023 to 2024 | Up 18 spots |
| 100-year U.S. rank | #59 |
Why People Still Like Peter
Peter is easy to spell, easy to say, and easy to remember. It sounds friendly, but it also sounds strong. That is why it still works well as a modern baby name, even though it is very old. In the U.S., Peter ranked #192 for boys in 2024, and the name rose 18 spots from 2023 to 2024. Over the last 100 years in U.S. Social Security data, Peter ranks #59 among boy names.
Peter Meaning and Origin
Is Peter a Greek Name?
Yes. If you ask is Peter a Greek name, the answer is yes. Peter comes from the Greek name Petros, which means stone. This is the main reason people say Peter meaning in Greek is “rock” or “stone.”
Where Does the Name Peter Come From?
Peter has a strong language history. The Greek form is Petros. In the New Testament, it is used as the Greek form of Cephas, an Aramaic name that also means rock. Later, the Latin form Petrus helped spread the name across Europe. This is the core of Peter meaning and origin.
Name History Table
This table shows the path of the name across key languages.
| Language | Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Aramaic | Cephas / Kepha | Rock |
| Greek | Petros | Stone, rock |
| Latin | Petrus | Peter form used in the Roman world |
| English | Peter | Rock, stone |
What Does Peter Mean in the Bible?
Simon Becomes Peter
If you search what does Peter mean in the Bible, the Bible gives a direct clue. In John 1:42, Jesus tells Simon that he will be called Cephas, which is translated as Peter. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, “you are Peter,” and links the name with “rock.” This is why many readers ask, does Peter mean rock. In the Bible, that connection is clear.
Saint Peter Name Meaning
The saint Peter name meaning is deeply tied to leadership and faith. Saint Peter, also called Simon Peter, became one of the best-known apostles in Christianity. Because of that, Peter is one of the most famous Christian baby names and one of the best-known biblical boy names in the world.
What Does the Name Peter Mean Spiritually?
If you ask what does the name Peter mean spiritually, most people connect it with these ideas:
- strength
- faith
- steadiness
- trust
- support
That spiritual meaning comes from the image of a rock. A rock stands firm. That is why Peter is often grouped with strong baby names and names that suggest stability.
Baby Name Peter Popularity
How Popular Is Peter Today?
Many parents also search baby name Peter popularity. In U.S. Social Security data for 2024, Peter ranks #192 for boys. It also moved up from #210 in 2023 to #192 in 2024. That rise shows the name still has life and charm today.
Why the Name Still Works
Peter is classic, but not hard to use. It fits a child, a student, and an adult. It also works across many cultures. That is a big reason it stays visible on baby-name sites and in real life. Nameberry also lists Peter at #192 in the U.S. for 2024, which matches the current popularity trend.
Peter in Different Languages and Names Like Peter
Peter in Different Languages
People often search Peter in different languages because the name is used around the world. Some well-known forms include:
| Language or Region | Form |
|---|---|
| English | Peter |
| French | Pierre |
| Dutch | Pieter |
| Czech / Slovak | Petr |
| South Slavic | Petar |
| Scandinavian | Petter |
| English nickname | Pete |
| Feminine form | Petra |
These forms keep the same core meaning: rock or stone.
Names Like Peter
If you are looking for names like Peter, you may also like names that feel classic, biblical, and strong, such as John, Paul, Thomas, Andrew, and Philip. Within Peter’s own name family, related forms include Pete, Petra, Petrina, Piers, and Pieter.
Famous People and Cultural Links
Famous Peters
The name Peter has stayed visible because many famous people and characters use it. Examples include Saint Peter, Peter the Great, Peter Pan, Peter Parker, Peter Jackson, and Peter Gabriel. These names help keep Peter familiar across religion, history, books, film, and pop culture.
Why This Helps the Name
A name that appears in many places feels trusted and timeless. Peter does not sound trendy. It sounds steady. That helps explain why it remains a strong masculine given name and a solid choice among Greek boy names and classic boy names.
FAQ
What does the name Peter mean?
Peter means rock or stone. The name comes from the Greek Petros.
What does Peter mean in the Bible?
In the Bible, Peter is the name Jesus gave Simon. It is linked with the image of a rock and a firm foundation.
Is Peter a Greek name?
Yes. Peter comes from the Greek Petros, though it is tied to the Aramaic Cephas in the New Testament.
What does the name Peter mean spiritually?
Spiritually, Peter is often linked with faith, strength, steadiness, and support.
How popular is the baby name Peter?
Peter ranked #192 for boys in the U.S. in 2024 and rose 18 places from 2023.
Conclusion
So, what does the name Peter mean? It means rock or stone. It comes from Greek Petros, connects to Aramaic Cephas, and carries a strong Bible link through Saint Peter. If you want a name with history, faith, simplicity, and strength, Peter is a great choice. Its meaning is clear, its roots are deep, and its style has lasted for centuries.
Hi, I’m Evan Lexor, the voice behind Meanpedia.com. I break down English words, slang, and phrases into clear, simple meanings that actually make sense. From modern internet terms to everyday expressions, my goal is straightforward: help you understand English better, faster, and with confidence, one word at a time.
