Girl Names Starting with P: Vibrant Poppy to Unforgettable Plum

Plenty of perfectly pleasing girl names starting with P populate this list.

There’s something about the letter P, isn’t there? It reads a little offbeat. And it’s tempting to use for siblings. Just ask the 1990s-era Halliwells of Charmed fame – Prudence-called-Prue, Phoebe, and Piper, plus younger, half-sister Paige. Or the Featheringtons of Bridgerton. There’s mom (or maybe mum) Portia, plus daughters Philippa, Prudence, and Penelope.

As first initials go, the letter ranks 17th out of 26. And that’s about right. Only Patricia has ever made the list of the most popular girl names. So while there are always some girl names starting with P near the top of the charts, it remains an interesting initial.

Girl names beginning with P are enjoying a particularly stylish moment. There’s Penelope and Paisley, of course, plus plenty more. Some of them are Ph names that sound like F. But most of them offer the satisfying pop of the letter P.

MOST POPULAR P NAMES FOR GIRLS

PENELOPE (#22)

Clever and fearless, ancient Penelope has been with us across the millennia. The name had never gone completely extinct, but had never been especially popular – until now. The success of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey might give Penelope yet another boost.

PAISLEY (#67)

Colorful, bohemian Paisley falls somewhere between color names like Scarlett and surnames like Harper – but with a distinctive style, too.

PARKER (#106)

Parents of a certain age will think of early 90s sitcom Parker Lewis Can’t Lose, but maybe indie actor Parker Posey, too – and yes, that’s her birth name. The outdoorsy surname has always been unisex in use, but the numbers still give a slight edge to the boys – for now.

PIPER (#155)

A musical surname name, Piper was already climbing the charts when the world met Orange is the New Black’s Piper Chapman in 2013. It followed Harper straight up the popularity charts, and remains a 2020s staple.

PHOEBE (#157)

Phoebe owes something to Zoe and Chloe and Penelope, too. But it’s also a nature name – related to birds – with a great meaning: bright. Besides the Charmed character, it’s also the name of one of the Friends, making it instantly familiar across generations.

PEYTON (#199)

A 1990s breakout hit for boys and girls alike, Peyton rose steadily for both genders until around 2007. That’s when it leapt into the girls’ Top 100 and began a slow fade for boys. It’s falling for both genders now, though it remains quite popular – especially for our daughters.

PRESLEY (#225)

It’s a surname name with a rock and roll vibe, thanks to Elvis. And because of Elvis, this name has never really left our pop culture consciousness. It’s gone from seldom heard choice to familiar twenty-first century name.

PALMER (#232)

A surname name with spiritual overtones – Palmers originally referred to pilgrims, holding their hands together in prayer – Palmer continues to follow Parker up the charts.

POPPY (#292)

Bright and energetic Poppy is a flower name less expected than Daisy, with plenty of spirit.

PAIGE (#346)

Originally a surname given to a young servant, Paige became a 1990s favorite. It still feels like a minimalist possibility for a daughter born today, a sister for Sloane or Quinn.

PAYTON (#440)

Another spelling of Payton, making this name even more popular than it seems at first.

PHOENIX (#534)

A place name with a distinctive sound, and a mythological creature associated with rebirth makes Phoenix unlike any other name.

PRISCILLA (#544)

A gentle, lacy antique, Priscilla is one of those names everyone knows, but has been rare in recent generations. It’s quickly on the rebound now.

PARIS (#592)

A romantic place name with ancient roots, Paris has gone from Trojan prince to celebrity name. With Paris Hilton out of the headlines in recent years, her name has started to fall in use. But naming a daughter for the City of Lights will always hold some appeal

PAISLEE (#669)

Paisley meets Kaylee.

PERSEPHONE (#735)

A goddess associated with the seasons, Persephone logically follows Penelope. It’s also boosted by Broadway musical Hadestown, a re-telling of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, featuring the goddess and her seasonal comings and goings.

PENNY (#740)

The obvious Penelope nickname stands on it own, with a hint of cool copper shine.

PEARL (#777)

A richly meaningful gemstone name, Pearl makes a big impact in a single syllable.

PAULINA (#784)

An elaborate spin on Paula, this feminine form of Paul seems closer to current favorites like Isabella.

PALOMA (#793)

A lovely Spanish name with a peaceful, avian meaning – dove.

PROMISE (#826)

A word name with a strong and virtuous meaning.

PAULA (#855)

This feminine form of Paul peaked in the 1950s, then got another boost from 1962 hit “Hey Paula,” recorded by duo Paul and Paula. (Really, Jill and Ray, but their first hit song lent them their stage names.)

RARE GIRL NAMES STARTING WITH P

PACEY

Fans of 1990s teen television staple Dawson’s Creek might think of this as a masculine name, but just like Casey, it trends unisex.

PACIFIC, PACIFICA

From the Latin pax, meaning peace, there’s a 17th century Saint Pacificus. This is more likely to read as a nature name in the 21st century, thanks to the Pacific Ocean.

PADMA, PADME

Probably from a Sanskrit name meaning lotus, made famous by Star Wars character Padmé Amidala.

PAGET

Diminutive form of Paige, made familiar thanks to actress Paget Brewster. She’s best known as Emily Prentiss on long-running procedural drama Criminal Minds.

PAMELA

A poetic invention that peaked in the 1950s.

PAOLA

The Italian form of Paula, with a globe-trotting vibe.

PALLAS

Unisex name from Greek mythology.

PANDORA

The meaning is lovely: “all gifts.” But most of us associate Pandora with the story of the women who opened a box, releasing trouble and suffering into the world. In the 21st century, though, Pandora is also the planet at the heart of the Avatar movies, as well as a popular jewelry brand.

PANSY

A flower name that might be associated with weakness, though Pansy charted in the US Top 1000 from the late 19th century into the 1950s.

PARASKEVA, PARASKEVE, PARASKEVI

Rare saint’s name from the 2nd century. Paraskevi comes from a word meaning preparation, or Friday – as that was the traditional day to prepare for Saturday observances in the ancient world.

PARASTOO, PARSTU

Persian name related to the swallow, as in the bird.

PARISA

It looks like an elaboration of place name Paris, but this is a separate name with Persian roots. It means fairy-like.

PARVATI

The name of a Hindu goddess associated with the mountains.

PASCALE, PASCALINE, PASQUALINA

Feminine forms of Pascal, ultimately from the Latin Pascha, the word used for Easter, as well as Passover. It’s big in Europe, but rare in English. The QU spelling is Italian.

PASIPHAE

Gorgeous Greek name with an appealing meaning: shining on all. The character’s fate wasn’t so bright: she’s the mother of the monstrous Minotaur.

PATIENCE

Perhaps a difficult virtue for a small child, but a worthy one nonetheless.

PATRICIA

Classic Patrick’s feminine equivalent is Patricia, a long-time Top Ten chart-topper currently in hibernation.

PATSY

This Patricia nickname stands on its own, thanks to musical legend Patsy Cline – born Virginia Patterson Hensley – and maybe even Absolutely Fabulous’ inimitable Patsy Stone.

PAULETTE

Paulette peaked in France early in the twentieth century, then traveled to the US and caught on here, too, as a 1940s favorite.

PAX

The Latin word for peace, it’s more likely to be used for a son today. But Pax started out as a Roman goddess.

PEACE

Instead of Pax, the straight-up word name feels virtuous and appealing, too.

PEACH

More common as a nickname than a formal name, Peach – along with Peaches – does occasionally appear as a given name, too.

PEGGY

This sweet, vintage Margaret nickname could fit right in with Maggie, Molly, and other nickname names for girls.

PELAGIA

Ancient Greek name meaning “the sea,” associated with several early saints.

PEN, PENN

A nod to Pennsylvania, Penelope, or just a brief name less expected than Lynn.

PENINNA, PENINNAH

Hebrew name meaning pearl, or more broadly, precious stone. The name appears in the Old Testament.

PEPPA

Famous thanks to the animated Peppa Pig of children’s stories, Peppa might also be a nickname for Giuseppa and Giuseppina – Italian feminine forms of Joseph.

PEPPER

A spice name in the key of Rosemary, Saffron, and Sage, but with the Avengers seal of approval thanks to Pepper Pots.

PERIDOT

A gemstone name far rarer than Ruby.

PERPETUA

A Latin name derived from the same roots as “perpetual,” Perpetua is rare in the US but might be a sister for Aurelia.

PERSIS

An intriguing rarity from the New Testament.

PETAL

A pan-botanical possibility far rarer than Lily or Rose.

PETRA

A feminine form of Peter, this name is far more common in European languages than American English.

PETRONELLA, PETRONILLE

Elaborations of Petra.

PETULA

As in 1960s singer Petula Clark. Her father invented her name.

PHAEDRA

A name from Greek myth with a tragic story and an uplifting meaning: light.

PHILIPPA

Pippa Middleton’s given name, this feminine form of Philip is rare, but perfectly wearable.

PHILOMELA

Rarity from Greek myth, often associated with the Greek word melos, meaning song.

PHILOMENA

An elaborate ancient name that could fit right in with Sophia and Olivia.

PHYLLIDA

A throwback form of Phyllis, the most famous bearer might be British actress Phyllida Law.

PHYLLIS

A 1930s favorite, this Greek mythological name has an on-trend nature meaning: foliage.

PIA

A mini name in the key of Mia, with a spiritual meaning: pious.

PIERA

Another feminine form of Peter, via Pierre.

PILAR

Pilar is simply the Spanish word for pillar, which implies strength. But it’s pronounced peh LAHR, and it refers to an apparition of the Virgin Mary, dating to the year 40.

PIMM

A Dutch nickname for William, but also sometimes a surname borrowed from feminine given name Euphemia.

PINE

A tree name far less common than Willow or Rowan, but nearly as wearable.

PIPPA

Originally short for Philippa, this sparky name is widely familiar thanks to Pippa Middleton, sister to future queen Kate.

PIPPI

As in beloved children’s book character Pippi Longstocking. In Astrid Lindgren’s stories, it’s short for Pippilotta.

PIXIE

A type of elfin creature, but far more name like than Fairy or Sprite.

PLEASANCE

Old school French word name meaning pleasant.

PLUM

An edible name, Plum can also mean excellent – think of a plum assignment. It fits in with Navy and Teal, too.

POEM, POET, POETRY

Poet is an occupational name with a literary vibe. Literary terms like Story have become meaningful modern word name options, so Poem and Poetry fit, too.

POLA

Popular in Poland today, Pola started out as a short form of longer names, like Apolonia. It brings to mind early Hollywood star Pola Negri.

POLLY

An almost-forgotten Mary nickname, Polly ought to be more popular given our ongoing love of Molly.

POLLYANNA

Double name made famous by early 20th century children’s story about a relentlessly optimistic child.

POMELINE

A rarity found on the royal Grimaldi family tree, Pomeline comes from the Roman goddess of fruit trees.

POMONA

The Roman goddess of fruit trees, and the origin of the name Pomeline.

PORTIA

A Shakespearean name that gives your daughter an impressive namesake.

POSIE, POSEY, POSY

This name might refer to a small bunch of flowers, or a sweet sentiment.

PRAIRIE

If we name our daughters Meadow, why not Prairie?

PRAISE

This accolade name suggests a spiritual meaning.

PRECIOUS

Affectionate word name. Actress Gabourey Sidibe earned an Oscar nomination playing a character by the name in 2009 move Precious.

PRIMROSE

An optimistic spring-time name, made famous by The Hunger Games.

PRINCESS

Royal name to go with brothers Duke and Reign.

PRISCA

The shorter, original name that gave us Priscilla, now quite rare.

PRIYA

A Sanskrit name, Priya means beloved.

PROSERPINA

The Roman equivalent of Persephone.

PRUDENCE

A virtue name that comes with a trippy, built-in lullaby from The Beatles.

PRUE

Short for Prudence, though a great meaning women with the full name prefer Prue.

PRUNE

Sounds wildly unlikely in English, but Prune is the French equivalent of Plum. It had a moment in France earlier in the 21st century.

PRUNELLA

Old school name that, like Prune, means plum. They both come from the Latin pruna, for the fruit. There’s also a flowering herb by the name, also called heal-all for its many uses in traditional herbal medicine.

PSALM

Another spiritual possibility, chosen by a Kardashian and with the appeal of many modern word names.

PUCK

Familiar to most as mischievous spirit from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Puck is also a Top 100 choice for girls in the Netherlands.

Whoa – that’s a lot of girl names starting with P! Any favorites here? What would you add to this list?

First published on April 12, 2021, this post was revised and re-published on March 14, 2022; January 4, 2024; August 8, 2024; September 17, 2025; and September 14, 2026.