Peter

Origin

The name Peter originates from the Greek name 'Petros', meaning 'stone' or 'rock'. It was popularised in the Christian context through Saint Peter, one of the apostles and a prominent figure in the New Testament. The name entered English usage via Latin ('Petrus') and Greek translations. In Australia, the name has been a common Christian given name due to European influence, with no specific indigenous origins.

Meaning

Literal translation is 'rock' or 'stone', symbolising strength and stability. In Australian English contexts, it is often associated with qualities of dependability and resilience, resonating with the metaphor of a 'rock' as a foundation.

Pronunciation

'ˈpiːtər' (Australian English pronunciation, stress on first syllable) [PEE-tər] in IPA, with the 'r' pronounced in non-rhotic Australian accents, sometimes as 'ah' in casual speech.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 29 June (Feast of Saint Peter)
• 29 June (Western Christian tradition, also observed in Australia)
• 29 June (Orthodox feast of Saint Peter)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with peter:

• John and Peter, Mary and Peter, William and Peter, Emma and Peter
• Good traditional pairings for sibling names.
• Charlotte and Peter

Fun Facts

• The name Peter has been among the top 50 boys' names in Australia for much of the 20th century.
• Famous Australian Peter: Peter Garrett, musician and former politician.
• The Australian rock band 'The Easybeats' had a hit called 'Friday on My Mind', released during the era when the name Peter was very popular.
• Newspapers and media often use 'Peter' as a generic name for 'everyman' figures in stories.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name peter:

• Reliable
• Strong-willed
• Dependable
• Traditional
• Resilient

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and symmetrical, visually balanced; 'Peter' is concise, straightforward, and universally legible in Australian typography and print styles, often seen in formal and informal contexts.

Geographical Distribution

Common across all Australian states, with slight regional variations in popularity; historically more prevalent in older generations and among families with strong Christian or European heritage.

Numerological Significance

Name number 3 (if using Pythagorean numerology), associated with creativity and expression, often seen as a positive and energetic number in personal analyses.

Astrological Connections

In astrology, associated with the zodiac signs of Sagittarius and Pisces, linked with optimistic and compassionate traits, respectively. No specific birth date connections.

Historical Context

Saint Peter is a central figure in Christianity, and the name has been borne by numerous saints and historical figures. In Australia, the name became prominent among early European settlers and has maintained its popularity through the nation's Christian heritage.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts easily across languages, with local pronunciations and spellings, maintaining recognisability worldwide; in scripts like Cyrillic, Latin, and Greek, retains core phonetics.

Famous People Named peter

• Peter Garrett (Musician and Politician)
• Peter Lalor (Leader of the Eureka Stockade, historical figure)
• Peter Allen (Musician)
• Peter Cosgrove (Former Governor-General)

Popularity in Australia