Petra is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the word "petros," which means "stone" or "rock." The name Petra has been popular in various cultures throughout history, including Greek, Roman, and Biblical.
In the New Testament of the Bible, Saint Peter's original name was Simon, but Jesus gave him the name Cephas (which is Aramaic for "rock"). In Greek, this became Petra. Thus, the name Petra has a significant religious association in Christianity.
Historically, the name Petra has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous was Empress Petra of Byzantine, who ruled briefly in 532 AD. Additionally, Queen Maria II of Portugal (1819-1853) had a daughter named Princess Petra.
In modern times, Petra has gained popularity as a given name due to its strong and unique sound. It is often associated with strength, resilience, and stability, much like the rock or stone it translates to. Despite its Greek origins, Petra has been widely adopted across various cultures and languages, including those of Germanic, Slavic, and Scandinavian backgrounds.
Overall, the name Petra offers a powerful and timeless option for parents seeking a distinctive feminine name with deep historical roots and international appeal.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Petra in the United States from 1881 to 2023. Over this period, there have been a total of 14,249 babies named Petra born in the US.
From 1881 to 1900, the number of births with the name Petra varied between 10 and 43 per year. The highest number during this time was in 1894 with 42 births. From 1901 to 1932, there were periods of increased popularity for the name Petra, with a peak of 197 births in 1927.
However, from 1933 onwards, there is a noticeable decline in the number of babies named Petra each year. The lowest point comes in 1981 with only 86 births, and this trend continues until the late 1990s when the number of Petras born annually hovers between 70 and 90.
There is a slight increase in popularity around the year 2005, with over 120 babies named Petra born each year from 2005 to 2008. However, this trend does not continue, and the number of Petras born annually decreases again after 2008.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Petra has shown some signs of revival, with over 140 babies named Petra born in both 2021 and 2022. As of 2023, there have been 148 births with the name Petra so far this year.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Petra has fluctuated significantly over time, it remains a relatively uncommon name in the United States, with only a few years seeing more than 200 babies named Petra born annually.