Boy Names That Start With P, Popular and Rare Picks
Currently popular P names for boys
- Parker (English, an occupational surname meaning keeper of the park, currently the top ranking P name for boys)
- Patrick (Latin, from Patricius, meaning nobleman)
- Peter (Greek, meaning rock)
- Paxton (English, a surname-turned-given-name linked to the word “pax,” peace)
- Preston (English, an occupational/place-name surname meaning priest’s town)
Rising and modern P names for boys
- Phoenix (Greek, meaning legendary bird, currently one of the fastest rising P names for boys)
- Pax (Latin, meaning peace, boosted in visibility by celebrity naming)
Quick facts
| Common origins | English, Latin, Greek |
| Common meaning themes | peace, nobility, strength |
| Note | Parker just reaches the US top 100 for boys, making it the most prominent current P name |
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular boy’s name starting with P?
Parker currently ranks as the top P name for boys in the US.
Is Pax a traditional name or a modern invention?
It has real Latin roots meaning peace and has been used historically, though its recent visibility comes largely from modern celebrity naming choices.
What does Patrick mean, and is it tied to Ireland?
Patrick comes from the Latin Patricius, meaning nobleman, and became strongly associated with Ireland through Saint Patrick, though the name itself is Latin rather than originally Irish.
Related reading
Girl equivalent: girl names starting with P (in progress). Broader unique-names list: unique boy names.