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Boy Names Starting With P: 400+ Powerful, Pleasant and Proud Picks With Meanings

OliviaWildeBy No Comments16 Mins Read
Smiling baby boy in a soft plum purple outfit lying on a cream blanket - boy names that start with P ideas for parents

A P name can feel powerful without sounding loud. It can also feel warm and easy to say. First, try it with your surname. Then, think about what it means to you.

This list brings together 425 boy names starting with P. Each name includes a short meaning and origin. Also, the list covers popular, classic, unique, short, long, cute, and strong styles. For example, you can start with the familiar names. Then, you can look at the rare names for fresh ideas.

If you liked the earlier lists, you may also enjoy boy names starting with A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O. Those lists follow the same style. However, this P list is written fresh for P names. It sits in the Baby Boys Names collection. Finally, use the nickname and pairing sections to test each favourite in real life.

Popular Boy Names Starting With P

Popular P names feel familiar and easy to say. They work well in class and at work. Also, many of them have short nicknames. For example, a long name can still feel friendly. Finally, pick the one that sounds best with your surname.

Parker – Park keeper (English);

Patrick – Nobleman (Irish);

Paul – Small (Latin);

Peter – Rock (Greek);

Philip – Lover of horses (Greek);

Preston – Priest’s town (English);

Pierce – Rock (English);

Porter – Gatekeeper (English);

Paxton – Peace town (English);

Phoenix – Dark red (Greek);

Princeton – Prince’s town (English);

Presley – Priest’s meadow (English);

Peyton – Fighting man’s estate (English);

Percy – Pierces the valley (French);

Perry – Pear tree (English);

Pierson – Son of Piers (English);

Palmer – Pilgrim (English);

Pace – Peace (Latin);

Patton – Fighter’s town (English);

Penn – Enclosure (English)

Classic Boy Names Starting With P

Classic P names have stood the test of time. They feel steady and dignified. Also, they often come from old stories and families. For example, a classic name can honour a grandparent. Finally, check the meaning before you decide.

Percival – Pierces the valley (French);

Pascal – Easter child (French);

Phineas – Oracle (Hebrew);

Piers – Rock (English);

Prescott – Priest’s cottage (English);

Prosper – Fortunate (Latin);

Ptolemy – Warlike (Greek);

Paulus – Small (Latin);

Peregrine – Traveller (Latin);

Peverell – Piper (French);

Philbert – Bright (German);

Philo – Loving (Greek);

Philemon – Affectionate (Greek);

Placido – Calm (Spanish);

Pompeo – Of Pompeii (Italian);

Pontius – Of Pontus (Latin);

Parnell – Little Peter (English);

Pascoe – Easter child (Cornish);

Primitivo – First (Spanish);

Prudencio – Prudent (Spanish)

Unique Boy Names Starting With P

Unique P names stand out without sounding strange. They can feel creative and bold. Also, they give a boy a distinct identity. For example, a rare name can still be easy to spell. Finally, say it aloud a few times first.

Paden – Royal (English);

Padgett – Young attendant (English);

Paine – Countryman (English);

Paley – Pale (English);

Palladio – Wise (Greek);

Pancho – Free (Spanish);

Parrish – Church parish (English);

Pax – Peace (Latin);

Pelham – Homestead (English);

Pembroke – Bluff (Welsh);

Pendleton – Town (English);

Pennell – Little hill (English);

Penrose – Head of the moor (Cornish);

Pepper – Pepper (English);

Peredur – Hard spear (Welsh);

Phelan – Wolf (Irish);

Phelim – Good (Irish);

Piran – Cornish saint (Cornish);

Pirie – Pear tree (Scottish);

Placid – Calm (Latin);

Plato – Broad (Greek);

Pollard – Small head (English);

Pomeroy – Apple orchard (French);

Poole – Pool (English);

Pooley – Pool clearing (English);

Portman – Town dweller (English);

Powell – Son of Howell (Welsh);

Pratt – Trick (English);

Priestly – Priest’s clearing (English);

Prior – Prior (English);

Proctor – Steward (English);

Puck – Mischievous sprite (English);

Pugh – Son of Hugh (Welsh);

Purcell – Little pig (French);

Putnam – Dweller (English);

Pyne – Pine (English);

Price – Son of Rhys (Welsh)

Short Boy Names Starting With P

Short P names are quick and punchy. They are easy to call out. Also, they pair well with long surnames. For example, a short first name can balance a long surname. Finally, test the full name together.

Pablo – Small (Spanish);

Paddy – Nobleman (Irish);

Page – Page (English);

Pat – Nobleman (Irish);

Pete – Rock (English);

Pip – Lover of horses (English);

Poe – Peacock (English);

Paco – Free (Spanish);

Pavo – Peacock (Latin);

Per – Rock (Scandinavian);

Phil – Lover of horses (English);

Piet – Rock (Dutch);

Pike – Pike fish (English);

Pio – Pious (Italian);

Piotr – Rock (Polish);

Pippo – Lover of horses (Italian);

Pius – Pious (Latin);

Pons – Bridge (French);

Poul – Rock (Danish);

Prim – First (Latin);

Pyper – Piper (English);

Peer – Rock (Norwegian);

Petri – Rock (Finnish);

Petter – Rock (Norwegian);

Petur – Rock (Icelandic);

Pierre – Rock (French);

Pond – Pond (English);

Paolo – Small (Italian);

Paulo – Small (Portuguese);

Pavel – Small (Russian);

Pawel – Small (Polish);

Pavle – Small (Serbian);

Petar – Rock (Serbian);

Petre – Rock (Romanian);

Petro – Rock (Ukrainian);

Piero – Rock (Italian);

Peder – Rock (Danish);

Paavo – Small (Finnish);

Paal – Small (Norwegian);

Palle – Small (Danish)

Long Boy Names Starting With P

Long P names feel grand and formal. They often have elegant nicknames too. Also, they can suit a longer surname. For example, use a short middle name to balance the length. Finally, check that the initials still look good.

Packard – Packer (English);

Paddock – Small field (English);

Padraig – Nobleman (Irish);

Palermo – Palm tree (Italian);

Panayiotis – All holy (Greek);

Pantaleon – All lion (Greek);

Pasquale – Easter child (Italian);

Patricio – Nobleman (Spanish);

Patrizio – Nobleman (Italian);

Patterson – Son of Patrick (English);

Pattinson – Son of Patrick (English);

Pavlos – Small (Greek);

Pemberton – Town (English);

Pennington – Town (English);

Pericles – Surrounded by glory (Greek);

Philander – Loving man (Greek);

Pickering – Town (English);

Pillsbury – Town (English);

Pinkerton – Town (Scottish);

Porfirio – Purple (Spanish);

Prentice – Apprentice (English);

Prestwick – Priest’s town (Scottish);

Primus – First (Latin);

Provost – Leader (English);

Packwood – Pack wood (English);

Pakenham – Town (English);

Pankhurst – Town (English);

Papworth – Town (English);

Parkhill – Park hill (English);

Parkhurst – Park wood (English);

Parmenter – Parchment maker (English);

Partridge – Partridge (English);

Peacock – Peacock (English);

Pearman – Pear tree (English);

Peckham – Town (English);

Pendlebury – Town (English);

Penfold – Sheep pen (English);

Persson – Son of Per (Swedish);

Phelps – Son of Philip (English);

Philpott – Son of Philip (English);

Pickford – Ford (English);

Pierpoint – Stone bridge (French)

Cute Boy Names Starting With P

Cute P names feel warm and playful. They suit a baby and a young child. Also, many of them grow well with age. For example, a cute nickname can sit beside a formal full name. Finally, pick a name you will still love in ten years.

Pablito – Small (Spanish);

Pappy – Father (English);

Patty – Nobleman (English);

Paulie – Small (English);

Pauli – Small (Finnish);

Peanut – Peanut (English);

Pepe – God will increase (Spanish);

Perky – Cheerful (English);

Petey – Rock (English);

Pippy – Lover of horses (English);

Pixie – Fairy (English);

Plucky – Brave (English);

Poppet – Doll (English);

Pudding – Pudding (English);

Puff – Puff (English);

Pup – Young dog (English);

Pino – Pine (Italian);

Pipo – Lover of horses (Spanish);

Pally – Friend (English);

Parky – Park keeper (English);

Pebble – Pebble (English);

Peri – Fairy (Persian);

Perrin – Rock (French);

Philly – Lover of horses (English);

Phin – Oracle (English);

Pipkin – Little pipe (English)

Strong Boy Names Starting With P

Strong P names sound firm and brave. They often mean warrior, king, or mountain. Also, they carry a clear sense of power. For example, a strong name can still sound kind. Finally, balance strength with a soft middle name.

Paladin – Knight (Italian);

Panther – Panther (Greek);

Panzer – Armour (German);

Paragon – Perfect example (English);

Pendragon – Head dragon (Welsh);

Perseus – Destroyer (Greek);

Phalanx – Battle formation (Greek);

Pharaoh – Great house (Egyptian);

Pilgrim – Traveller (English);

Pillar – Column (English);

Pirate – Sea robber (English);

Pluto – God of the underworld (Latin);

Poindexter – Right hand (French);

Pollux – Twin (Greek);

Pontus – Sea (Greek);

Poseidon – God of the sea (Greek);

Praetorian – Imperial guard (Latin);

Priam – King of Troy (Greek);

Prometheus – Forethought (Greek);

Proteus – Sea god (Greek);

Puma – Cougar (Spanish);

Pyrrhus – Red-haired (Greek);

Python – Serpent (Greek);

Pan – God of nature (Greek);

Patriot – Patriot (English);

Pegasus – Winged horse (Greek);

Pelops – Dark face (Greek);

Plutus – God of wealth (Greek);

Polaris – North star (Latin);

Potter – Maker of pots (English)

How to Choose the Right P Name

First, say the full name aloud. It should flow well. Also, check the initials. They should not spell an odd word. For example, test the name with your surname and middle name.

Second, think about nicknames. A boy may use a short form at school. Also, ask family how the name sounds to them. However, the final choice stays with the parents. Therefore, trust your own instinct too.

Finally, look at the meaning. A good meaning can add pride. Also, a simple spelling can save years of corrections. Similarly, a name that is easy to say can help a child feel confident.

Middle Name Pairings for P Names

A middle name can soften a strong first name. It can also add rhythm. For example, try these pairings and say each one aloud.

Parker James;

Patrick Cole;

Paul Alexander;

Peter Henry;

Philip Thomas;

Preston Owen;

Pierce William;

Porter Samuel;

Paxton Luke;

Phoenix Adam;

Princeton John;

Presley Michael;

Peyton Ryan;

Percy Paul;

Perry Cole

Sibling Name Ideas That Go With P Names

Sibling names should sound good together. They should not sound too alike. Also, keep the styles in balance. For example, pair a classic P name with a classic sibling name.

Parker and Charlotte;

Patrick and Amelia;

Paul and Sophia;

Peter and Emily;

Philip and Hannah;

Preston and Grace;

Pierce and Lily;

Porter and Nora;

Paxton and Ivy;

Phoenix and Ruby;

Princeton and Ella;

Presley and Mia;

Peyton and Claire;

Percy and June;

Perry and Alice

Quick Nickname Guide for P Names

Nicknames can make a long name feel friendly. They can also give a boy choice. For example, he may use a formal name at work. Then, he may use a short name with friends.

Parker – Park;

Patrick – Pat;

Paul – Paulie;

Peter – Pete;

Philip – Phil;

Preston – Pres;

Pierce – Piers;

Porter – Port;

Paxton – Pax;

Phoenix – Nix;

Princeton – Prince;

Presley – Pres;

Peyton – Pey;

Percy – Perc;

Perry – Per

Discover Even More: 210 Additional Powerful, Pleasant and Proud Boy Names Starting With P

This boxed section adds 210 more P names. It takes the full list to 425 names in total. Also, the names are grouped in sets. For example, you can scan one group at a time. Finally, all 210 names keep the same order and numbering.

Additional Names 1-30

1. Pacian – Peaceful (Latin);

2. Padarn – Father (Welsh);

3. Paisley – Church (Scottish);

4. Palmiro – Pilgrim (Italian);

5. Palomo – Dove (Spanish);

6. Pamphilus – Beloved friend (Greek);

7. Pancras – All-powerful (Greek);

8. Pandion – King (Greek);

9. Pandulf – Bold wolf (German);

10. Panfilo – Beloved friend (Spanish);

11. Paphnutius – Priest (Egyptian);

12. Papias – Father (Greek);

13. Paraskevas – Friday-born (Greek);

14. Parmenas – Abiding (Greek);

15. Parthenius – Virgin (Greek);

16. Paternus – Fatherly (Latin);

17. Patroclus – Glory of father (Greek);

18. Peleg – Division (Hebrew);

19. Peleus – Mud (Greek);

20. Pelagius – Of the sea (Greek);

21. Pentheus – Grief (Greek);

22. Periander – Man of strength (Greek);

23. Perpetuus – Perpetual (Latin);

24. Petronius – Of Petronius (Latin);

25. Phaedrus – Bright (Greek);

26. Phaethon – Shining (Greek);

27. Phileas – Loving (Greek);

28. Philoxenus – Loving strangers (Greek);

29. Phocion – Seal (Greek);

30. Photius – Light (Greek);

More Boy Names 31-60

31. Phrixus – Standing apart (Greek);

32. Pindar – From Pindus (Greek);

33. Pittacus – Pitch (Greek);

34. Plautus – Flat-footed (Latin);

35. Pliny – Pilgrim (Latin);

36. Plutarch – Wealthy ruler (Greek);

37. Polycarp – Much fruit (Greek);

38. Polydorus – Many gifts (Greek);

39. Polybius – Many lives (Greek);

40. Porphyry – Purple (Greek);

41. Posidonius – Of Poseidon (Greek);

42. Praxias – Active (Greek);

43. Praxiteles – Active goal (Greek);

44. Proclus – Far-famed (Greek);

45. Procopius – Progress (Greek);

46. Proculus – Born during father’s absence (Latin);

47. Protagoras – First (Greek);

48. Protogenes – First-born (Greek);

49. Pythagoras – Speaker of Pythia (Greek);

50. Pythias – Of Pythia (Greek);

51. Pryderi – Care (Welsh);

52. Petroc – Rock (Cornish);

53. Parthalan – Bartholomew (Scottish);

54. Placide – Calm (French);

55. Plamen – Flame (Bulgarian);

56. Predrag – Dear (Serbian);

57. Prvoslav – First glory (Serbian);

58. Prodan – Sold (Bulgarian);

59. Prohor – Leader (Russian);

60. Przemyslaw – Clever (Polish);

More Boy Names 61-90

61. Pekka – Rock (Finnish);

62. Pentti – Blessed (Finnish);

63. Pertti – Rock (Finnish);

64. Poju – Boy (Finnish);

65. Päivö – Day (Finnish);

66. Pål – Small (Norwegian);

67. Páll – Rock (Icelandic);

68. Pär – Rock (Swedish);

69. Pelle – Rock (Swedish);

70. Pim – Rock (Dutch);

71. Pieter – Rock (Dutch);

72. Philipp – Lover of horses (German);

73. Pankraz – All-powerful (German);

74. Patrice – Nobleman (French);

75. Patrik – Nobleman (Swedish);

76. Patryk – Nobleman (Polish);

77. Pietro – Rock (Italian);

78. Pedro – Rock (Spanish);

79. Pavao – Small (Croatian);

80. Peadar – Rock (Irish);

81. Peeter – Rock (Estonian);

82. Peetu – Rock (Finnish);

83. Pehr – Rock (Swedish);

84. Petko – Rock (Bulgarian);

85. Petros – Rock (Greek);

86. Pethuel – God opens (Hebrew);

87. Peyo – Rock (Bulgarian);

88. Penuel – Face of God (Hebrew);

89. Pinchas – Oracle (Hebrew);

90. Pippin – Awe-inspiring (German);

More Boy Names 91-120

91. Pagan – Countryman (Latin);

92. Panko – All-merciful (Macedonian);

93. Panteleimon – All-merciful (Greek);

94. Pal – Rock (Hungarian);

95. Pál – Small (Hungarian);

96. Pol – Rock (Catalan);

97. Ponce – Fifth (Spanish);

98. Pompeius – Of Pompeii (Latin);

99. Pastor – Shepherd (Latin);

100. Patricius – Nobleman (Latin);

101. Paulinus – Small (Latin);

102. Paullus – Small (Latin);

103. Philippus – Lover of horses (Latin);

104. Philus – Loving (Latin);

105. Piso – Pestle (Latin);

106. Plotinus – Flat (Greek);

107. Poplicola – Friend of people (Latin);

108. Postumus – Last-born (Latin);

109. Priscus – Ancient (Latin);

110. Prudentius – Prudent (Latin);

111. Publius – Public (Latin);

112. Pulcher – Beautiful (Latin);

113. Persius – Persian (Latin);

114. Pertinax – Steadfast (Latin);

115. Porcius – Pig (Latin);

116. Ponticus – Of Pontus (Greek);

117. Polemon – War (Greek);

118. Polites – Citizen (Greek);

119. Pollio – Polished (Latin);

120. Polyeidus – Many forms (Greek);

More Boy Names 121-150

121. Polygnotus – Many colours (Greek);

122. Polymnestor – Much remembered (Greek);

123. Polyphemus – Much fame (Greek);

124. Polyxenus – Many guests (Greek);

125. Peisistratus – Persuader of army (Greek);

126. Peisander – Persuader of men (Greek);

127. Pelasgus – Ancient (Greek);

128. Peneus – River (Greek);

129. Perdiccas – Partridge (Greek);

130. Periphas – Shining (Greek);

131. Phaedo – Bright (Greek);

132. Phalaris – White (Greek);

133. Phanes – Bringer of light (Greek);

134. Phidias – Sparing (Greek);

135. Philadelphus – Brother-loving (Greek);

136. Philaretus – Loving virtue (Greek);

137. Philinus – Loving (Greek);

138. Philippos – Lover of horses (Greek);

139. Philiscus – Loving (Greek);

140. Philotas – Loving (Greek);

141. Phoebus – Bright (Greek);

142. Phokas – Seal (Greek);

143. Phormio – Basket (Greek);

144. Phrynichus – Toad (Greek);

145. Phylacus – Guard (Greek);

146. Pyrrho – Red-haired (Greek);

147. Pythodorus – Gift of Pythia (Greek);

148. Pythocles – Glory of Pythia (Greek);

149. Procles – Famous (Greek);

150. Procrustes – Stretcher (Greek);

More Boy Names 151-180

151. Pradip – Light (Sanskrit);

152. Prakash – Light (Sanskrit);

153. Pramod – Joy (Sanskrit);

154. Pranav – Sacred syllable (Sanskrit);

155. Pranjal – Simple (Sanskrit);

156. Prashant – Calm (Sanskrit);

157. Pratap – Majesty (Sanskrit);

158. Prateek – Symbol (Sanskrit);

159. Pravin – Skilled (Sanskrit);

160. Prem – Love (Sanskrit);

161. Prithvi – Earth (Sanskrit);

162. Priyank – Beloved (Sanskrit);

163. Pulak – Joy (Sanskrit);

164. Puneet – Pure (Sanskrit);

165. Purav – East (Sanskrit);

166. Purushottam – Best man (Sanskrit);

167. Pundarik – Lotus (Sanskrit);

168. Pushkar – Lotus (Sanskrit);

169. Pritam – Beloved (Sanskrit);

170. Pradyumna – Pre-eminent (Sanskrit);

171. Prasenjit – Victorious (Sanskrit);

172. Prasoon – Flower (Sanskrit);

173. Prahlad – Joy (Sanskrit);

174. Prakhar – Sharp (Sanskrit);

175. Pran – Life breath (Sanskrit);

176. Prasad – Gift (Sanskrit);

177. Pratyush – Dawn (Sanskrit);

178. Prayag – Confluence (Sanskrit);

179. Priyam – Beloved (Sanskrit);

180. Punit – Pure (Sanskrit);

Final P Names 181-210

181. Peng – Friend (Chinese);

182. Ping – Peace (Chinese);

183. Po – Precious (Chinese);

184. Pu – Plain (Chinese);

185. Prodicus – Before justice (Greek);

186. Promachus – Champion (Greek);

187. Protesilaus – First of people (Greek);

188. Protus – First (Greek);

189. Prytanis – President (Greek);

190. Pello – Rock (Basque);

191. Perkin – Little Peter (English);

192. Perran – Rock (Cornish);

193. Pharamond – Protection (Frankish);

194. Piat – Pious (French);

195. Pietari – Rock (Finnish);

196. Piper – Piper (English);

197. Primo – First (Italian);

198. Prince – Prince (English);

199. Pacey – From Pacy (French);

200. Pacifico – Calm (Spanish);

201. Pacino – Peace (Italian);

202. Pacorro – Free man (Spanish);

203. Paidi – Nobleman (Irish);

204. Palani – Free man (Hawaiian);

205. Palti – My deliverance (Hebrew);

206. Panos – All holy (Greek);

207. Param – Best (Sanskrit);

208. Paresh – Supreme spirit (Sanskrit);

209. Patch – Noble (English);

210. Pate – Nobleman (English);

Conclusion

A P name can be powerful, pleasant, or proud. It can also be classic, short, or strong. First, shortlist three or four favourites. Then, test each one with your surname.

Also, think about sound, meaning, and nicknames together. For example, a name that feels warm at home may also work well at school. However, do not rush the final choice. Therefore, take a few days to live with each name.

Finally, pick the name that feels right for your boy. It should sound good today. Similarly, it should still feel right when he grows up. That simple test often points to the best choice.

If you liked this list, also explore boy names starting with A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O in the Baby Boys Names collection.

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