Paraskevi is a unique and historic Greek female first name, derived from the Greek word 'parousia', which means 'presence'. It was initially used to refer to Fridays in ancient Greece, as Friday was considered the day of Paraskevi's (the Virgin Martyr) celebration. Over time, the name evolved into a personal given name for females. In its various spellings and derivatives, such as Paraskeva or Petrunka, it has been adopted by other cultures and languages, most notably Slavic ones. Today, Paraskevi remains popular in Greece and among Orthodox communities worldwide, carrying with it a rich history and cultural significance.
The name Paraskevi has seen a varied number of births over the past few decades, with a significant spike in popularity between 1982 and 1984. However, it appears to have declined in recent years, with fewer than 6 births recorded annually since 2015. Overall, there were 271 births with this name between 1968 and 2023.