Peter is a name of German origin that means "rock" or "stone". It is derived from the Greek word "petros", which has the same meaning. The name Peter has been used throughout history and has been associated with several notable figures.
The most famous bearer of the name Peter was Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. According to the Bible, Peter was a fisherman by trade before he became a follower of Jesus. He is often considered the first pope of the Catholic Church and is revered as a saint by many Christians.
Other notable figures with the name Peter include the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who is famous for his work on existentialism and nihilism, and the English poet P.B. Shelley, who was known for his romantic poetry and advocacy of political reform.
The name Peter has also been popular in literature and art throughout history. In the Brothers Grimm fairy tale "Rapunzel", the witch's daughter is named Petronella, a variant of Peter. The name Peter is also used as the main character in the novel "Peter Pan" by J.M. Barrie, which tells the story of a boy who refuses to grow up and lives on the magical island of Neverland.
Overall, the name Peter has a rich history and has been associated with many notable figures throughout the centuries. Its meaning, "rock" or "stone", has made it a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and solid-sounding name for their sons.
The name Peter experienced a significant increase in popularity over the late 19th to mid-20th century, with a steady decline since then. The peak of popularity occurred in the early 1940s, reaching its highest point in 1946 with 7482 births. Since then, there has been a consistent decrease, reaching a low of 1738 births in 2023.