Children's names beginning with P

The letter P has a strong place in the history of Swedish names. You'll find classic names like Per, Petra and Patrik, but also Nordic and Swedish variants like Peder, Pernilla and Petronella. In this article, you'll find a long list of Swedish girls' and boys' names with P, some unisex names, a section on older names making a comeback, and a short FAQ. The focus is on names used in Sweden, with some Nordic and Swedish spellings.

Maiden name in P

A longer list of girls' names beginning with P, common in Sweden or the Nordic countries and Swedish spellings and variants.

Name
Paola
Paula
Paulina
Pauline
Pauliina
Pamela
Parisa
Mrs Patricia
Patrizia
Pegah
Peggy
penny
Penelope
Petra
Petrea
Petronella
Pernilla
Pernille
Pia
Pia-Maria
mushroom
Pilvi
Pippa
Pirjo
Pirkko
Polly
Priscilla
Philippa
Philomena
pearl

Most popular girl names in P right now

Petra, Pernilla and Pia are Swedish classics. Paulina and Penelope have been trendy in recent years. Petronella and pearl gives a more unique feel but still feels distinctly Swedish.

Boys' names beginning with P

Here's a longer list of boys' names starting with P, focusing on Swedish and Nordic names and Swedish spellings.

Name
Patrik
Mr Patrick
Mr Paul
St Paul
Pavel
Mr Peder
Mr Pehr
Per
Mr Per-Olof
Shovel
Peo
Mr Peter
Pontus
Paul
Pasi
Pekka
Mr Peter
St Peter
Mr Petter
St Peter
Mr Philip
Philip
Phillip
Pim
Prince
Preben
Pascal
Mr Paavo
Parham
Parviz

Most popular boy names in P right now

Per, Patrik and Pontus are timeless Swedish favourites. Mr Peter and Mr Petter are still common, while variants such as Mr Peder, Mr Pehr and St Peter gives an older Swedish tone that many people recognise.

Unisex name in P

Fewer P-names are used as unisex in Sweden, but these do exist.

  • mushroom
  • Pippi
  • Peppercorn
  • Pax

Older P names making a comeback

Several older P-names are increasingly recognisable. Per and Mr Peder are examples of traditional names that feel modern in their simplicity. Petronella into new generations, often as nicknames or middle names. Names with a clear Nordic flavour, such as Pekka and Paul, is also evident in Sweden thanks to Nordic influences and family traditions.

Tips when choosing a name for P

  • Think about spelling. Swedish variants such as Per and Petter are often more easily recognised in everyday life than more international forms.
  • Feel free to combine a classic first name with a more unique middle name for balance.
  • Test how the name sounds together with surnames and possibly siblings' names.

Related letters

Children's names beginning with O
Children's names starting with Q

Frequently asked questions about P-names

What are the most classic Swedish boys' names starting with P?

Per, Patrik, Peter, Petter and Pontus are among the most classic and used across many generations in Sweden.

Which girls' names in P feel distinctly Swedish but still a bit unique?

Petronella, Pärla, Petrea and Pernilla are good examples. They have Swedish roots and at the same time feel special.

Which older P-names are coming back?

Per, Peder, Pehr and Petrus on the boys' side and Petronella and Pernilla on the girls' side are reappearing more and more often.

Back to all baby names A-Z

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This blog post is written by

Family coordinator Matilda

Matilda is one of our nanny coordinators at Hey Kiddo. She makes sure that your child is in safe hands. She also has a broad knowledge of childcare and a passion for writing and creativity. That's why she regularly produces tips and other useful information on childcare.

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