Pedro is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the word "peter." It means "rock" or "stone" in English and has been popular among Spanish-speaking populations for centuries.
The name Pedro is believed to have originated from the Greek word "Petros," which also means "rock." This name was given to Saint Peter, one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles. Saint Peter is known as the first pope of the Catholic Church and is considered a key figure in early Christian history.
In Spain, Pedro has been used as a personal name since at least the 12th century. It became particularly popular during the Middle Ages, when it was often given to newborn boys as a symbol of strength and stability, much like its meaning suggests.
Over time, Pedro has spread beyond Spain's borders and can now be found in many different countries around the world. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet distinctive name for their baby boy. Despite its origins in the Catholic Church, Pedro is not exclusively associated with religious or spiritual meanings and can be given to children regardless of their family's beliefs.
In terms of famous individuals named Pedro, some notable figures include Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral, who discovered Brazil; Mexican revolutionary leader Emiliano Zapata's brother, Pedro Zapata; and American actor Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in "Game of Thrones" and "The Mandalorian." These examples demonstrate the global reach and enduring appeal of this timeless name.
The name Pedro has been popular among parents choosing names for their newborn sons in the United States over the past century. According to annual statistics from 1880 to 2023, there have been fluctuations in its popularity.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of births with the name Pedro was relatively low, ranging between 14 and 66 births per year. However, starting around 1957, the popularity of the name began to rise significantly.
From 1957 to 1978, the number of annual births with the name Pedro increased steadily, reaching its peak in 1978 with 1017 births. This trend continued into the early 1980s, with the number of annual births surpassing 1000 from 1981 to 1985.
After 1985, the popularity of the name Pedro began to decline, but it remained relatively stable throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Between 1990 and 2004, the number of annual births with the name Pedro ranged between 1498 and 1704.
Since 2005, the popularity of the name Pedro has continued to decline, but it remains a popular choice among parents. In recent years, between 700 and 900 babies have been named Pedro annually in the United States.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been approximately 92587 births with the name Pedro in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name has fluctuated over time, it remains a widely chosen name for newborn boys across generations.