Peter is a classic English given name with a long and rich history. Derived from the Greek name Petros, which means "rock" or "stone," it has been widely used throughout Europe for centuries.
The name Peter first appears in the New Testament of the Bible, where Saint Peter, one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles, is prominently featured. In fact, many scholars believe that the name was chosen specifically to signify steadfastness and strength, much like a rock. This biblical connection has contributed significantly to the popularity of the name Peter throughout history.
In medieval England, Peter was among the most common given names, often used in combination with other popular names such as John, William, and Robert. Its popularity can be attributed partly to the influence of the Catholic Church, which held Saint Peter in high regard.
Over time, Peter has evolved into a classic, timeless name that transcends cultural boundaries. It is still widely used today, with variations such as Pietro (Italian), Pierre (French), Pedro (Spanish), and Petr (Czech) also being popular.
In literature, notable characters named Peter include Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, Peter Rabbit from Beatrix Potter's stories, and even the character of Peter in Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre." This further attests to the enduring appeal and versatility of this name across different eras and cultures.
The name Peter has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. From 1887 to 1960, the number of births with the name Peter fluctuated between 6 and 39 per year. The peak of this period occurred in 1960 with 39 births.
From 1961 onwards, the popularity of the name Peter started to decline significantly. In 1962, there were only 16 births with the name Peter, and this number continued to decrease over the years. The lowest point was reached in 1993 with only 9 births.
Despite the declining trend, the name Peter has remained relatively stable in recent years. Between 2000 and 2022, the number of births with the name Peter ranged from 5 to 6 per year, indicating that it is still a popular choice among parents.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Peter has seen ups and downs over the years, it remains a classic and timeless name.