Are you searching for the perfect name for your little girl? The letter P offers some of the most melodious and meaningful names in the baby naming world. From the timeless elegance of Penelope to the bold mythology of Persephone, P names carry a special charm that resonates with modern parents.
According to the Social Security Administration's baby name database, P names have consistently ranked among parents' favorites, with several climbing the popularity charts in recent years. Whether you prefer classic options, rare gems, or culturally rich selections, this guide has something for every family.
If you're searching for unique girl names that start with P, you've come to the right place. At PatPat, we understand the excitement and challenge of choosing the perfect name. To help narrow your options, try our baby name generator for personalized suggestions. Below, you'll discover over 200 beautiful P names organized by style, origin, and meaning.
Most Popular Girl Names Starting with P
Let's begin with the names that have captured parents' hearts across the nation. These popular girl names starting with P combine beautiful sounds with meaningful origins, making them enduring favorites.
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Penelope | Greek | Weaver |
| Paisley | Scottish | Church, sanctuary |
| Piper | English | Pipe or flute player |
| Peyton | English | Fighter's estate |
| Parker | English | Park keeper |
| Presley | English | Priest's meadow |
| Phoebe | Greek | Bright, radiant |
| Paige | English | Young attendant |
| Payton | English | Village of the warrior |
| Palmer | English | Palm bearer, pilgrim |
| Penny | English | Weaver (diminutive) |
| Pia | Latin/Italian | Pious, devout |
| Poppy | Latin | Red flower |
| Pearl | English | Precious gem |
| Princess | English | Royal daughter |
| Promise | English | Pledge, vow |
| Patience | English | Virtue name |
| Perla | Spanish | Pearl |
| Phoenix | Greek | Mythical bird |
| Priscilla | Latin | Ancient, venerable |
| Paityn | English | Fighting man's estate |
| Precious | English | Of great value |
| Priya | Sanskrit | Beloved |
| Paloma | Spanish | Dove |
| Primrose | English | First rose |
Why Penelope Tops the Charts
Penelope has claimed the top spot among P names for girls, and it's easy to understand why. This Greek name connects to powerful mythology as the faithful wife of Odysseus who cleverly outwitted her suitors. The name offers wonderful nickname versatility with options like Penny, Nell, Poppy, and Nellie.
Celebrity influence has also boosted Penelope's appeal. Kourtney Kardashian chose this name for her daughter, while actress Penelope Cruz has long represented the name's glamour. The name strikes a perfect balance between elegant sophistication and everyday approachability.
Rising Stars: P Names Gaining Popularity
Several P names are climbing the charts rapidly:
- Phoebe continues gaining ground, partly due to the beloved "Friends" character
- Poppy brings British botanical charm across the Atlantic
- Palmer rides the surname-as-first-name trend
- Pearl experiences a strong vintage revival
Rare and Uncommon P Names for Girls
For parents seeking something beyond the top 1000, these rare girl names starting with P offer distinctive options that still feel wearable and beautiful.
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Persephone | Greek | Bringer of destruction |
| Petra | Greek | Rock, stone |
| Perdita | Latin | Lost |
| Philomena | Greek | Lover of strength |
| Portia | Latin | Offering |
| Posy | English | Small bouquet |
| Petula | Latin | Seeker |
| Pelagia | Greek | Of the sea |
| Perpetua | Latin | Perpetual, eternal |
| Proserpina | Latin | Persephone variant |
| Phaedra | Greek | Bright one |
| Pandora | Greek | All gifts |
| Psyche | Greek | Soul, spirit |
| Pomona | Latin | Fruit, abundance |
| Pascale | French | Easter, Passover |
| Pollyanna | English | Compound name |
| Patrice | French | Noble |
| Philippa | Greek | Lover of horses |
| Pazia | Hebrew | Golden |
| Placida | Latin | Calm, peaceful |
| Primavera | Italian | Spring |
| Palesa | African (Sesotho) | Flower |
| Penthesilea | Greek | Amazon queen |
| Pasithea | Greek | Goddess of relaxation |
| Ptolema | Greek | Warlike |
| Perrine | French | Rock |
| Philida | Greek | Loving |
| Polexia | Greek | Many stories |
| Purdie | Scottish | Lost |
| Pulchra | Latin | Beautiful |
| Pensee | French | Thought |
| Pimm | English | Strong |
| Pluma | Spanish | Feather |
| Praxedes | Greek | Active, practical |
| Praxedis | Latin | Practice |
| Pyralis | Greek | Of fire |
| Pyrena | Greek | Fiery one |
| Pacifica | Latin | Peaceful |
| Paola | Italian | Small |
| Pandita | Sanskrit | Learned woman |
| Papaya | Spanish | Tropical fruit |
| Pascuala | Spanish | Easter child |
| Paz | Spanish | Peace |
| Pelageya | Russian | Sea |
| Pelagiya | Ukrainian | Of the sea |
One-of-a-Kind P Names You've Never Heard
If standing out matters to you, consider these truly distinctive options:
- Pazia (PAH-zee-ah) - A Hebrew gem meaning "golden"
- Primavera (pree-mah-VEHR-ah) - Italian for "spring," perfect for spring babies
- Penthesilea - The legendary Amazon queen from Greek mythology
- Petronella - A charming Dutch and Scandinavian name meaning "rock"
Unique P Names Perfect for Modern Parents
These names blend contemporary appeal with traditional roots:
- Petra - Strong and striking, meaning "rock"
- Posy - Vintage charm with a modern feel
- Paloma - Spanish for "dove," elegant and international
Vintage and Classic Girl Names Beginning with P
The "grandma-chic" trend continues strong, and these vintage girl names beginning with P offer timeless appeal with fresh relevance.
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl | English | Precious gem |
| Patricia | Latin | Noble |
| Pauline | French | Small, humble |
| Prudence | English | Caution, discretion |
| Peggy | English | Pearl (Margaret variant) |
| Phyllis | Greek | Foliage, greenery |
| Polly | English | Variant of Mary |
| Pamela | English | All honey |
| Penina | Hebrew | Pearl |
| Pleasance | Medieval | Pleasure, delight |
| Philomela | Greek | Lover of song |
| Petronella | Latin | Rock |
| Pansy | English | Thought, remembrance |
| Parthenia | Greek | Maiden, virgin |
| Palma | Latin | Palm tree |
| Peninah | Biblical | Pearl, coral |
| Persis | Biblical | Persian woman |
| Permelia | American | Honey-sweet |
| Pernelle | French | Rock |
| Petrina | Greek | Rock |
| Philberta | German | Brilliant |
| Pilar | Spanish | Pillar |
| Plinia | Latin | Full |
| Portencia | Latin | Power |
| Posie | English | Small flower |
Victorian Era P Names Making a Comeback
The Victorian era produced beautiful names that feel fresh again. Pearl peaked in popularity during the 1890s-1920s and now experiences strong revival. Pansy, once a beloved flower name, offers vintage botanical charm. Prudence and Patience bring virtue-name elegance with historical depth.
Classic P Names That Never Go Out of Style
Some names transcend trends entirely. Patricia has graced generations of women with dignity. Priscilla maintains steady popularity without ever feeling dated. These classic options offer safe choices with proven staying power.
Nature-Inspired Girl Names That Start with P
For parents who love the outdoors, these nature names for girls starting with P connect your daughter to the natural world.
| Name | Category | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Poppy | Flower | Red flower |
| Primrose | Flower | First rose |
| Petunia | Flower | Trumpet flower |
| Pansy | Flower | Thought, remembrance |
| Petal | Botanical | Flower part |
| Peony | Flower | Healing, bashful |
| Prairie | Landscape | Grassland |
| Peridot | Gemstone | August birthstone |
| Paloma | Bird | Dove |
| Penna | Latin | Feather |
| Pepper | Spice | Black pepper plant |
| Plum | Fruit | Purple fruit |
| Posey | Flowers | Small bouquet |
| Pyra | Greek | Fire |
| Periwinkle | Flower | Blue flower |
| Passion | English | Strong emotion |
| Persimmon | English | Orange fruit |
| Phlox | Greek | Flame flower |
| Pine | English | Evergreen tree |
| Ptarmigan | Scottish | Mountain bird |
| Protea | Greek | South African flower |
Flower Names Starting with P for Your Little Blossom
Botanical names carry special symbolism:
- Poppy - Symbolizes remembrance and peaceful sleep
- Primrose - Represents young love and new beginnings
- Peony - Signifies prosperity and romance in many cultures
- Pansy - Derived from French "pensee" meaning thought
Gemstone and Earthy P Names
Pearl remains the quintessential gemstone P name, representing rare beauty and wisdom. Peridot offers a unique alternative, especially meaningful for August babies. Petra connects your daughter to the strength and permanence of stone.
Greek Mythology P Names for Girls with Powerful Stories
Greek mythology offers some of the most compelling P names, each carrying rich stories and powerful meanings.
| Name | Mythological Role | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Persephone | Queen of Underworld | Bringer of destruction |
| Phoebe | Titaness of the moon | Bright, radiant |
| Pandora | First mortal woman | All gifts |
| Penelope | Wife of Odysseus | Weaver |
| Psyche | Goddess of the soul | Soul, spirit |
| Phaedra | Cretan princess | Bright one |
| Philomela | Princess turned nightingale | Lover of song |
| Polyhymnia | Muse of hymns | Many hymns |
| Perseis | Oceanid nymph | Destroyer |
| Pandia | Goddess of light | All bright |
| Peitho | Goddess of persuasion | Persuasion |
| Procris | Athenian princess | Dew |
| Polymnia | Muse of sacred poetry | Many hymns |
| Protogenia | First-born goddess | First-born |
| Podarge | Harpy | Fleet-footed |
| Psamathe | Nereid | Sand of the shore |
| Parthenos | Virgin goddess | Maiden |
The Story of Persephone: A Name Rich with Meaning
Persephone has risen dramatically in popularity among parents seeking powerful mythological options. As both Queen of the Underworld and goddess of spring growth, she embodies transformation and duality. The name offers lovely nicknames including Persy, Sephy, and Penny.
Lesser-Known Greek Goddesses with P Names
Beyond the famous figures, Greek mythology offers hidden gems:
- Pasithea - Goddess of relaxation and meditation
- Peitho - Goddess of persuasion and seduction
- Pandia - Goddess associated with the full moon
International P Names: Spanish, Indian, and Global Options
These international P names celebrate diverse cultures and work beautifully across language barriers.
Sanskrit and Hindi P Names with Spiritual Meanings
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Priya | Sanskrit | Beloved |
| Padma | Sanskrit | Lotus |
| Pranavi | Sanskrit | Sacred syllable Om |
| Pallavi | Sanskrit | New leaves |
| Pratiksha | Hindi | Waiting, hope |
| Poornima | Sanskrit | Full moon |
| Parvati | Sanskrit | Daughter of mountain |
| Preeti | Hindi | Love |
| Pushpa | Sanskrit | Flower |
| Pooja | Sanskrit | Worship |
| Padmini | Sanskrit | Lotus-like |
| Parminder | Sanskrit | Highest god |
| Pravalika | Sanskrit | Jasmine |
| Padmavati | Sanskrit | One who holds lotus |
| Priti | Sanskrit | Affection |
| Purnima | Sanskrit | Full moon night |
| Pavana | Sanskrit | Pure, wind |
| Pankaja | Sanskrit | Lotus |
| Payal | Hindi | Anklet |
| Prabha | Sanskrit | Radiance |
| Pragati | Sanskrit | Progress |
| Pratima | Sanskrit | Image, idol |
| Prerna | Sanskrit | Inspiration |
| Purnita | Sanskrit | Complete |
Hindu baby girl names starting with P often carry deep spiritual significance. The name Priya, meaning beloved, remains one of the most popular choices in Indian communities worldwide.
Spanish P Names Perfect for Bilingual Families
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Paloma | Spanish | Dove |
| Pilar | Spanish | Pillar |
| Paz | Spanish | Peace |
| Preciosa | Spanish | Precious |
| Perfecta | Spanish | Perfect |
| Prudencia | Spanish | Prudence |
| Pastora | Spanish | Shepherdess |
| Plata | Spanish | Silver |
| Pedrina | Spanish | Rock |
| Prosperidad | Spanish | Prosperity |
| Primicia | Spanish | First fruits |
European P Names
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Paola | Italian | Small |
| Paulette | French | Small |
| Pietra | Italian | Rock |
| Pernilla | Scandinavian | Rock |
| Pavla | Czech | Small |
| Pinja | Finnish | Pine tree |
| Pavlina | Slavic | Small |
| Pascaline | French | Easter |
| Petrova | Slavic | Rock (feminine) |
| Priska | German | Ancient |
| Pierette | French | Little rock |
| Palwasha | Pashto | Morning dew |
| Parveen | Persian | Star cluster |
| Parisa | Persian | Fairy-like |
| Pari | Persian | Fairy |
| Pelin | Turkish | Wormwood |
| Pelinsu | Turkish | Rain of wormwood |
| Pia | Italian | Pious |
| Pina | Italian | Pine |
| Priseis | Greek | Daughter of Priam |
| Pritha | Sanskrit | Palm of hand |
| Pyrrhia | Greek | Red-haired |
| Philine | Greek | Loving |
| Phaenna | Greek | Shining |
Short and Sweet vs. Long and Elegant P Names
Name length affects everything from everyday use to formal documents. Here's how to choose based on your preference.
One and Two Syllable P Names That Pack a Punch
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Paz | Spanish | Peace |
| Pax | Latin | Peace |
| Plum | English | Fruit |
| Pip | English | Diminutive |
| Prue | English | Short for Prudence |
| Piper | English | Flute player |
| Paige | English | Young attendant |
| Petra | Greek | Rock |
| Poppy | Latin | Red flower |
| Penny | English | Weaver |
| Pixie | English | Fairy |
| Pippa | English | Lover of horses |
| Paula | Latin | Small |
| Polly | English | Great sorrow |
| Patsy | Latin | Noble |
| Padme | Sanskrit | Lotus |
| Perry | English | Pear tree |
| Perri | English | Wanderer |
| Petal | English | Flower part |
| Peri | Persian | Fairy |
| Pia | Latin | Pious |
Short names work particularly well with longer middle names or complex surnames. They're easy to spell, simple to pronounce, and memorable from the first introduction.
Regal Long P Names with Built-In Nicknames
| Name | Syllables | Meaning | Nicknames |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penelope | 4 | Weaver | Penny, Nell, Poppy |
| Persephone | 4 | Destroyer | Persy, Sephy, Penny |
| Philomena | 4 | Lover of strength | Mina, Philly, Lola |
| Petronella | 4 | Rock | Petra, Nell, Nellie |
| Perpetua | 4 | Perpetual | Perry, Petra |
| Prosperina | 4 | To succeed | Prossy, Peri |
| Pandora | 3 | All gifts | Panda, Dora |
| Patricia | 3 | Noble | Patty, Trish, Tricia |
| Polyhymnia | 5 | Muse of hymns | Polly, Hymn |
| Paraskevia | 4 | Friday, preparation | Para, Keva |
| Philothea | 4 | Lover of God | Philo, Thea |
| Palomina | 4 | Little dove | Palo, Mina |
| Pascalina | 4 | Easter child | Pasca, Lina |
Long names offer versatility. Your daughter can use her full formal name professionally while enjoying casual nicknames with friends and family.
Biblical P Names and Celebrity Baby Favorites
Whether you seek spiritual significance or star-inspired style, these categories offer compelling options.
Women of the Bible Whose Names Start with P
| Name | Biblical Context | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Priscilla | Early Christian, Acts 18 | Ancient |
| Phoebe | Romans 16, church deacon | Bright |
| Peninnah | 1 Samuel, Hannah's rival | Pearl, coral |
| Persis | Romans 16, Christian woman | Persian |
| Prisca | Variant of Priscilla | Ancient |
| Puah | Exodus 1, Hebrew midwife | Girl, mouth |
Virtue Names Beginning with P
| Name | Virtue | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Patience | Endurance | Virtue name |
| Peace | Tranquility | Virtue name |
| Praise | Worship | Virtue name |
| Promise | Vow | Virtue name |
| Providence | Divine guidance | Virtue name |
| Prudence | Wisdom | Virtue name |
| Purity | Cleanness | Virtue name |
| Precious | Great value | Virtue name |
| Prayer | Communication | Virtue name |
| Pilgrim | Traveler | Virtue name |
| Palm | Victory | Virtue name |
These timeless biblical and virtue names pair beautifully with classic baby clothes for christenings, dedications, and special family moments.
Star-Inspired P Names from Celebrity Culture
Celebrity influence significantly impacts baby name trends. Here are notable P names from the spotlight:
| Name | Celebrity Connection | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Penelope | Kourtney Kardashian's daughter | Major popularity boost |
| Poppy | Jamie Oliver's daughter | British influence |
| Pippa | Pippa Middleton | Royal adjacent |
| Phoebe | Phoebe Waller-Bridge | Actress/writer influence |
| Priyanka | Priyanka Chopra Jonas | Global star power |
| Paloma | Paloma Picasso | Artistic association |
| Piper | "Orange is the New Black" | TV influence |
| Patricia | Patricia Arquette | Classic Hollywood |
| Pink | Singer Pink | Stage name influence |
| Paris | Paris Hilton | Celebrity heiress |
How to Choose the Perfect P Name
With over 200 options to consider, narrowing down your choice requires thoughtful consideration. Here are key factors:
- Sound and flow - Say the full name aloud with your surname multiple times
- Meaning significance - Does the name's meaning resonate with your values?
- Nickname potential - Consider both desired and unwanted shortened versions
- Uniqueness balance - Too common may feel boring; too rare may cause constant spelling corrections
- Cultural connections - Does the name honor your heritage or interests?
- Sibling compatibility - If you have other children, do the names sound harmonious together?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular girl name that starts with P?
Penelope currently ranks as the most popular girl name starting with P, sitting in the top 30 of the SSA baby name rankings. Paisley and Piper follow closely behind. Penelope's popularity stems from its Greek mythology roots, versatile nicknames (Penny, Nell), and celebrity endorsements.
What are unique girl names that start with P?
Unique P names for girls include Persephone (Greek goddess), Petra (meaning "rock"), Paloma (Spanish for "dove"), Posy (small bouquet), and Philomena (lover of strength). For something ultra-rare, consider Perdita, Portia, Perpetua, or Phaedra, which each appear fewer than 100 times annually.
What girl names start with P in the Bible?
Biblical girl names starting with P include Priscilla (early Christian leader), Phoebe (church deacon in Romans), Peninnah (mother in Samuel), Persis (Christian woman praised by Paul), and Puah (Hebrew midwife in Exodus). Virtue names like Patience, Prudence, and Peace also have strong religious associations.
What are old-fashioned girl names starting with P?
Vintage P names experiencing revival include Pearl, Patience, Prudence, Patricia, Pauline, Phyllis, Polly, and Peggy. These "grandma-chic" names were popular in the early 1900s and are now returning to favor with parents seeking timeless, classic options.
What are short girl names that start with P?
Short P names include one-syllable options like Pax, Paz, Pearl, and Plum. Popular two-syllable choices are Piper, Paige, Petra, Poppy, Penny, Pixie, and Pia. These concise names pair well with longer middle names or complex surnames.
What P names mean "beautiful" or "love"?
P names with beautiful meanings include Priya (Sanskrit, "beloved"), Preeti (Hindi, "love"), Precious (English, "of great value"), and Pearl (rare beauty). Paloma means "dove," symbolizing love and peace.
What are nature-inspired girl names starting with P?
Nature-inspired P names include flower names like Poppy, Primrose, Peony, and Petunia; gemstone names like Pearl and Peridot; and nature words like Petal, Prairie, and Phoenix. Botanical names Pansy, Periwinkle, and Plum offer unique options for nature-loving parents.
What does the name Persephone mean?
Persephone means "bringer of destruction" or "she who destroys light" in Greek mythology. As Queen of the Underworld and goddess of spring growth, Persephone represents both death and rebirth. Despite its intense meaning, the name appeals to parents seeking powerful, mythological options.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect P Name
From the classic elegance of Penelope to the mystical allure of Persephone, girl names that start with P offer remarkable diversity. Whether you prefer popular choices like Piper and Paisley, vintage gems like Pearl and Prudence, or international beauties like Priya and Paloma, there's a perfect P name waiting for your daughter.
Remember that choosing a name is deeply personal. Trust your instincts, consider how the name will grow with your child, and don't be afraid to choose something that speaks to your heart. The right name will feel like a perfect fit when you find it.
Still exploring your options? Try the PatPat baby name generator for more personalized suggestions. And as you prepare for your little one's arrival, don't forget to explore comfortable, stylish baby clothes to welcome her in style.
We hope this comprehensive guide to unique girl names that start with P helps you find the perfect name for your precious daughter. Happy naming!
