Petra Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Petra originates from Greek, meaning 'rock' or 'stone'. It evolved from the ancient Greek name Peter and has been consistently used throughout history, particularly within Christian contexts. The name is associated with strength and stability, reflecting its meaning. It has biblical relevance through its connection to the apostle Peter. In modern times, Petra is viewed positively and remains a popular choice in various cultures.
The name Petra is most popular in Texas, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Petra has been too falling for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Petra' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5374th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4830th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7552nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10718th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 16616th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 567th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 629th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 954th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1027th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1641st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1917th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1448th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Petra' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Petra"
Pronunciation
/ˈpɛtrə/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Petra is derived from the Greek word 'petra' which means 'rock' or 'stone'. It is the feminine form of the name Peter, which also means 'rock'.
Meaning
rock, stone
Language Evolution
Peter (Ancient Greek: Πέτρος), Petra (Greek), Petra (Latin), Petra (English)
Biblical Background
The name Petra has biblical significance as it is related to the name Peter, one of Jesus Christ's apostles, who is often referred to as the rock on which the Church was built.
Historical Usage
Petra gained popularity in the early Christian era, especially in the Byzantine period, and has remained in use throughout history, especially in Christian communities.
Variants & Derivatives
Peter, Petronella, Petrina, Petraeus
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Petra is perceived as a strong and elegant name, often associated with resilience and stability due to its meaning. It is relatively popular in various cultures, particularly in European countries.
Famous People
Petra Kvitová, Czech professional tennis player, Petra Nemcova, Czech model and television host, Petra Collins, Canadian photographer and director
Explore More Petra Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Petra"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Petra"
"Petra" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5374th of 7545 | 24 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4830th of 6773 | 28 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 10718th of 10718 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 16616th of 16616 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 567th of 9107 | 2,796 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 629th of 9204 | 2,263 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 954th of 12526 | 2,137 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1027th of 19264 | 1,938 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1641st of 27321 | 1,358 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1917th of 35406 | 1,617 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1448th of 30306 | 1,856 |
Regional Popularity of "Petra" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
75.44% 1785th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
78.92% 1857th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Petra" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
100.00% 1416th/1416 |
- |
16.69% 395th/2366 |
21.89% 250th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
100.00% 1546th/1546 |
79.76% 1241st/1556 |
18.53% 436th/2353 |
24.56% 380th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
61.70% 1374th/2227 |
42.39% 1030th/2430 |
24.22% 691st/2853 |
26.56% 737th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
50.29% 1477th/2937 |
34.08% 1187th/3483 |
26.18% 921st/3518 |
20.90% 845th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
74.63% 2750th/3685 |
50.35% 2253rd/4475 |
28.76% 1494th/5194 |
20.47% 1293rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
48.58% 2226th/4582 |
37.86% 1955th/5164 |
30.71% 2246th/7313 |
21.05% 1571st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
41.04% 1635th/3984 |
32.25% 1447th/4487 |
26.25% 1791st/6822 |
18.08% 1135th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Petra"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Petra" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.