Pedro
Pedro Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈpe.ðɾo/
Meaning of Pedro: The name Pedro derives from the Greek Petros, meaning "rock" or "stone," itself a Greek translation of the Aramaic Kepha (Cephas). Jesus gave this name to the apostle Simon in the Gospel of John, making it one of the most theologically significant names in Christian tradition.
Latin adopted Petrus from the Greek, and as Latin spread across the Iberian Peninsula during Roman occupation, the name took root in what would become Spain and Portugal. Pedro is the direct Spanish and Portuguese form, distinct from the French Pierre and Italian Pietro but sharing the same ancient foundation.
Pedro carried enormous cultural weight in medieval Iberia. Kings of Castile, Aragon, Portugal, and Brazil bore the name across six centuries of royal lineage, cementing its association with authority and Christian devotion in the Spanish-speaking world.
What Does Pedro Mean? Origin & Etymology
In the United States, Pedro has appeared consistently in SSA records since national tracking began in 1880, sustained by waves of immigration from Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Central America. The name ranked among the top 500 for boys through much of the late 20th century and holds a steady position as of 2024.
According to Etymonline, the Greek root petra denotes solid stone rather than a pebble, conveying permanence and strength. That meaning resonates throughout the centuries of usage that carried Pedro from the ancient Near East to the Americas.
How Popular Is Pedro?
Numerology & Symbolism of Pedro
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Pedro – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pedro
What does the name Pedro mean?
The name Pedro originates in ancient Greek. Greek names frequently encoded concepts from mythology, philosophy, or the natural world, and many were preserved through the New Testament and early Christian tradition.
How popular is the name Pedro in the United States?
According to SSA records, Pedro ranked #401 for boy names in the United States, with 799 births recorded in the most recent annual count. The name hit its highest SSA rank in 2024. It has held a consistent place in US naming statistics across multiple decades.
Where does the name Pedro come from?
The name Pedro comes from Greek. It entered English use through the linguistic and cultural channels typical of Greek-origin names—whether through religious texts, migration, or the prestige associated with classical learning. Today it is recognized as a boy’s name across the English-speaking world.