Pedro

♂ Boy

Pronounced PAY-droh /ˈpeɪ.droʊ/High

Meaning: Spanish and Portuguese form of Peter, from Greek 'Petros' meaning rock or stone; the name was given to the apostle Simon by Jesus, signifying strength and foundationHigh

In 30 seconds: Pedro is the classic Spanish and Portuguese form of Peter, meaning 'rock.' Warm, strong, and deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, it has been a top name throughout the Spanish-speaking world for centuries.

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Origin HighSpanish, Greek, Portuguese

MeaningSpanish and Portuguese form of Peter, from Greek 'Petros' meaning rock or stone; the name was given to the apostle Simon by Jesus, signifying strength and foundation

U.S. rank (2025)#455 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births684 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2000

Total births (all-time)≈ 94,077

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Pedro is the Spanish and Portuguese form of the Greek Petros (rock, stone). Jesus gave this name to his apostle Simon, saying 'upon this rock I will build my church' — giving the name theological significance at its very origin. Pedro spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula and was carried to the Americas through Spanish and Portuguese colonization.

Pedro has been one of the most popular boys' names in Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and Brazil for centuries. In the United States it is widely used in Hispanic communities and has been a consistent presence in national naming charts. The name's simple strength and deep roots make it an enduring classic.

Did you know? Pedro Álvares Cabral, the Portuguese explorer who is credited with discovering Brazil in 1500, carried this name into the history books — making Pedro one of the names that literally shaped the map of the New World.

Overall data confidence 97%

Behind the Name — Pedro — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

PeterPietroPierrePer

Nicknames

PetePepePedrito

Famous Bearers

★Pedro Álvares Cabral (c. 1467–c. 1520)
Portuguese explorer credited with the European discovery of Brazil in 1500
★Pedro Pascal (1975–present)
Chilean-American actor known for The Mandalorian and The Last of Us

If you like Pedro…

Diego— shares the deeply rooted Spanish Catholic classic tradition

Miguel— another Spanish form of a biblical name with the same warm heritage

Carlos— equally classic Spanish name with the same Iberian depth

Mario— shares the Italian-Spanish classic feel and Roman Catholic heritage

Frequently Asked

What does Pedro mean?

Pedro means 'rock' or 'stone,' from Greek Petros. It is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Peter, the name Jesus gave to his apostle Simon.

How do you pronounce Pedro?

Pedro is pronounced PAY-droh /ˈpeɪ.droʊ/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Pedro a popular name?

Pedro has been one of the most popular names in the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world for centuries, and is widely used in U.S. Hispanic communities.

Is Pedro the same as Peter?

Yes. Pedro is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Peter; both derive from Greek Petros meaning rock.