"rock, stone"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Petar
Does Petar flow with your last name?
The Balkans form of Peter, solid as the rock it means
Serbian
Croatian
Bulgarian
Macedonian
Classic
Strong
Traditional
Sophisticated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Petar
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"firm foundation"
Origin: Greek via Aramaic
Language: English
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The Story of Petar
Petar is the South Slavic form of Peter, derived from the Greek Petros meaning rock or stone. The name was popularized by Jesus's disciple Simon, whom he renamed Petros (the rock), making it one of the most widely used names in Christian history. In the Balkans, Petar has been a royal and common name alike for over a millennium.
Petar has been consistently used across Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia for centuries. It remains one of the most popular male names in these countries, carried by saints, kings, and common citizens alike.
In Serbian culture, Petar is deeply tied to national identity through Petar II Petrovic-Njegos, the 19th-century prince-bishop of Montenegro and greatest Serbian poet. The name is celebrated on Petrovdan (St. Peter's Day), a major feast day.
Historical Record
Petar first appeared in US Social Security records in 1963.
Over 627 babies have been named Petar in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Petar is past its peak , currently ranked #6,347 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Petar II Petrovic-Njegos, the poet-prince of Montenegro, is considered the greatest figure in South Slavic literature
- Saint Peter (Petros in Greek) was given this name by Jesus himself, making it one of the most historically significant names in Christianity
Petar in Other Languages
Greek
Πέτρος
Russian
Пётр
Serbian
Петар
Croatian
Petar
Bulgarian
Петър
Popularity Over Time
#6,347
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1968
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Petar
P
Petar Karan
Athlete
1993
Serbian professional basketball player who has played in European leagues
P
Petar II Petrovic-Njegos
Writer
1813
Prince-Bishop of Montenegro and the greatest poet in South Slavic literature, author of The Mountain Wreath
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Compare Petar with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,347
- Total SSA Count
- 14
- Cultural Origins
- Serbian Croatian Bulgarian Macedonian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Peca
Petar
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Petar
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Serbian)
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Old French origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Petar
What does the name Petar mean?
"rock, stone" (from Greek). "firm foundation" (from Greek via Aramaic). Petar is the South Slavic form of Peter, derived from the Greek Petros meaning rock or stone. The name was popularized by Jesus's disciple Simon, whom he renamed Petros (the rock), making it one of the most widely used names in Christian history. In the Balkans, Petar has been a royal and common name alike for over a millennium.
What is the origin of the name Petar?
Petar has Greek, Greek via Aramaic, Serbian, Croatian, Bulgarian, and Macedonian origins. In Greek, it means "rock, stone". In Greek via Aramaic, it means "firm foundation".
Is Petar a boy or girl name?
Petar is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Petar?
Petar is currently ranked #6347 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Petar?
Common nicknames for Petar include Peca and Petar.
What are good middle names for Petar?
Popular middle name pairings include Petar Marko, Petar Ivan, Petar Stefan, Petar Nikola, Petar Luka, and Petar Djordje.
What are good sibling names for Petar?
Names that pair well with Petar as siblings include Marija, Ana, Stefan, Nikola, Katarina, and Milica.
How many syllables does Petar have?
Petar has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Petar a common or rare name?
Petar is an uncommon name, ranked #6347 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Petar
Petar is a boy name with Serbian, Croatian, Bulgarian, and Macedonian origins . The name means "rock, stone" in Greek .
Petar is currently ranked #6,347 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Petar has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Petar include Peca and Petar. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis