Pedro is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the word "pedra," which means "rock" or "stone." It has been used for centuries as both a given name and a surname throughout Spain and its former colonies.
The name Pedro first appeared in medieval Spain and was often used to denote strength, stability, and durability, much like the stone from which it originated. Throughout history, several notable figures have borne this name, including Pedro I of Castile (known as "Pedro the Cruel"), who ruled during the late 14th century, and Pedro II of Brazil, who was the last Emperor of Brazil before its proclamation as a republic in 1889.
In literature, Pedro has been immortalized by characters such as Pedro Crespo in Miguel de Cervantes' classic novel "Don Quixote" and Pedro Pan in J.M. Barrie's play "Peter Pan." These appearances have helped to solidify Pedro's status as a timeless and enduring name with deep roots in Spanish culture and history.
Today, Pedro remains a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and meaningful name for their sons. Its simple yet powerful origin makes it an attractive option across various cultures, while its historical significance lends it an air of distinction and nobility. Despite being predominantly associated with Spain, the name Pedro has also gained popularity in other parts of Latin America and even beyond, demonstrating its universality and enduring appeal.
The name Pedro has been a popular choice among parents in the United States for several decades, with fluctuations in its popularity over time. According to the statistics provided, there were 9 births with the name Pedro in 1927, marking the beginning of an upward trend that continued until 1930, when the number of births reached a peak of 10.
However, after this initial high point, the popularity of the name Pedro began to decline steadily. From 1935 to 1948, there were fewer than 7 births per year with the name Pedro. This trend continued until the mid-1950s, when the number of births with the name Pedro began to increase again.
The years between 1964 and 1970 saw a significant rise in the popularity of the name Pedro, with the highest number of births recorded in this period being 13 in 1970. However, this peak was short-lived, as the number of births with the name Pedro declined again in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Despite this decline, the popularity of the name Pedro rebounded once again in the mid-1980s, reaching a new peak of 18 births in 1986. This trend continued throughout the 1990s, with the number of births with the name Pedro fluctuating between 6 and 17 per year.
Overall, the statistics show that while the popularity of the name Pedro has varied over time, it has remained a consistently popular choice among parents in the United States. With a total of 499 births recorded since 1927, Pedro is a name with a significant history and enduring appeal.