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Peter Name Meaning & Details

Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Peter

Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name PETER. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.

Name

Peter

Gender

Male

Origin

Christian

Lucky Number

1

Meaning of the Name

Derived from the Greek name Petros, meaning 'rock' or 'stone,' it reflects steadfastness and is associated with Saint Peter, a key apostle in Christianity.

Stages of a Male

Complete Numerology Analysis

Your Numerology Number

1

Based on Pythagorean Numerology System

Ruling Planet

Sun

Positive Nature

Leaders, ambitious, highly driven, self-reliant, innovative.

Negative Traits

Overly aggressive, domineering, impatient, selfish.

Lucky Colours

Red, orange, gold.

Lucky Days

Sunday.

Lucky Stones

Ruby, garnet.

Harmony Numbers

2, 3, 9.

Best Suited Professions

Entrepreneurs, managers, engineers.

What People Like About You

Courage, determination, leadership.

Famous People Named Peter

Peter the Apostle

Religious Leader

First Pope and foundational figure of Christianity

Peter the Great

Monarch

Modernized Russia and expanded its empire

Peter Jackson

Film Director

Oscar-winning director of Lord of the Rings trilogy

Peter Drucker

Management Theorist

Father of modern management practices

Name Variations & International Equivalents

Pierre French Pedro Spanish/Portuguese Pietro Italian Petr Russian/Czech Petros Greek

Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.

Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Peter carries immense cultural weight as one of the most significant names in Christian history. Its origin story in the New Testament, where Jesus renames Simon as Peter (meaning 'rock'), establishes it as symbolic of the foundation of the Christian church. This moment in Matthew 16:18 represents one of the most pivotal naming ceremonies in religious history, transforming an ordinary fisherman into the cornerstone of a global faith. Throughout European history, the name became associated with leadership and stability, borne by three Russian tsars, eight kings of various European nations, and countless saints and religious figures. The name's spread across continents through Christian missionaries made it one of the first globally recognized names, bridging cultural divides while maintaining its core religious significance. In art and literature, Saint Peter is traditionally depicted holding keys, symbolizing the 'keys to the kingdom of heaven,' further cementing the name's association with authority and spiritual access.

Extended Personality Analysis

Individuals named Peter are commonly associated with a unique blend of reliability and dynamic leadership. The biblical Peter's journey from impulsive fisherman to rock-solid apostle creates a personality archetype that combines initial enthusiasm with eventual steadfastness. Peters are often seen as the 'rocks' in their families and workplaces - people others depend on during crises. They typically exhibit strong practical intelligence, able to build and maintain systems whether in business, relationships, or creative projects. However, this solid exterior often conceals a capacity for bold action and innovation when circumstances demand change. Many Peters display what psychologists might call 'transformational resilience' - the ability to learn from mistakes and emerge stronger, much like their namesake who denied Jesus three times but became the foundation of the early church. This combination makes Peters particularly effective in leadership roles where both stability and adaptability are valued.

Modern Usage & Popularity

In contemporary naming practices, Peter maintains its status as a classic, enduring choice rather than a trendy one. While its peak popularity has passed in most English-speaking countries, it enjoys what demographers call 'stable classic' status - consistently chosen by parents seeking a strong, traditional name with deep roots. In the United States, Peter has never left the top 1000 names since records began in 1880, demonstrating remarkable staying power. Current usage trends show Peter being particularly popular among educated, professional families and in religious communities. The name has also seen a mild resurgence as a 'grandparent name' coming back into fashion, similar to other classic names like Henry and Arthur. Internationally, Peter remains strong in Eastern European countries and continues to be widely used in its various forms across Christian-majority nations worldwide.

Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings

The symbolic resonance of Peter extends far beyond its literal meaning of 'rock.' It represents the human capacity for transformation - from Simon the fallible fisherman to Peter the foundational rock. This symbolizes every person's potential for growth and redemption. In psychological terms, Peter embodies the archetype of the reliable foundation, representing the part of our psyche that provides stability during turmoil. The name also carries the symbolism of keys and gateways, drawn from the tradition of Peter holding the keys to heaven, representing access, opportunity, and new beginnings. In organizational symbolism, Peter represents the cornerstone - the essential element that supports larger structures. The duality of water and rock in Peter's story (the fisherman who becomes the rock) creates a rich symbolic tapestry of adaptability meeting permanence, making it a name that speaks to both change and constancy in human experience.

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