Petar Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: PEH-tar //ˈpɛtɑr//
Origin: Slavic; Greek
Meaning: Slavic: rock; Greek: stone
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Petar is of Slavic origin, derived from the Greek name Petros, which means "rock" or "stone." The Greek word petra, meaning "rock," is the root of this name, and it was used in the New Testament to refer to Saint Peter, one of Jesus Christ's apostles, who is often considered the foundation of the Christian Church. The name Petros was translated into Latin as Petrus, which further influenced its adoption in various languages, including the Slavic languages, where it became Petar.
Historically, the name Petar has been borne by several notable figures, particularly in Eastern Europe. One of the most significant was Petar I of Serbia, who reigned in the early 20th century and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes after World War I.
Additionally, the name is associated with various saints, such as Saint Peter, whose feast day is celebrated in many Christian traditions, further embedding the name in religious and cultural contexts. Culturally, the name Petar has resonated through literature, art, and folklore in Slavic regions.
It symbolizes strength and stability, akin to its literal meaning of "rock." The name has also been adapted into various diminutive forms, such as Pero or Petko, which are commonly used in familial or affectionate contexts. The enduring nature of the name Petar reflects its deep roots in both linguistic history and cultural significance, making it a prominent choice in many Slavic-speaking countries.
Famous people named Petar
In this section, you will find notable people named Petar. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Petar who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Petar who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Petar I of Serbia is a king best known for leading Serbia during World War I and establishing the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes.
Petar Pan is a fictional character best known for appearing in J.M. Barrie's play and novel Peter Pan.
Petar Marković is a musician best known for his work with the band Riblja Čorba.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Petar, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Petar. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Petar was first seen in the United States in 1963.
Petar has ranked as high as #10137 nationally, which occurred in 2006, and has been most popular in Illinois, and California.
In the past 5 years the name Petar has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Petar is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Petar was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Petar.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 14 | 14 |
| 2024 | 14 | 14 |
| 2023 | 17 | 17 |
| 2022 | 10 | 10 |
| 2021 | 14 | 14 |
| 2020 | 20 | 20 |
| 2019 | 15 | 15 |
| 2018 | 12 | 12 |
| 2017 | 15 | 15 |
| 2016 | 13 | 13 |
| 2015 | 17 | 17 |
| 2014 | 13 | 13 |
| 2013 | 7 | 7 |
| 2012 | 16 | 16 |
| 2011 | 9 | 9 |
| 2010 | 9 | 9 |
| 2009 | 14 | 14 |
| 2008 | 16 | 16 |
| 2007 | 17 | 17 |
| 2006 | 21 | 21 |
| 2005 | 14 | 14 |
| 2004 | 14 | 14 |
| 2003 | 11 | 11 |
| 2002 | 11 | 11 |
| 2001 | 12 | 12 |
| 2000 | 13 | 13 |
| 1999 | 14 | 14 |
| 1998 | 12 | 12 |
| 1997 | 11 | 11 |
| 1996 | 18 | 18 |
| 1995 | 8 | 8 |
| 1994 | 9 | 9 |
| 1993 | 10 | 10 |
| 1992 | 7 | 7 |
| 1991 | 9 | 9 |
| 1990 | 8 | 8 |
| 1989 | 10 | 10 |
| 1988 | 9 | 9 |
| 1987 | 8 | 8 |
| 1986 | 9 | 9 |
| 1985 | 13 | 13 |
| 1982 | 10 | 10 |
| 1981 | 6 | 6 |
| 1980 | 10 | 10 |
| 1978 | 13 | 13 |
| 1977 | 10 | 10 |
| 1976 | 5 | 5 |
| 1975 | 8 | 8 |
| 1974 | 6 | 6 |
| 1973 | 6 | 6 |
| 1972 | 7 | 7 |
| 1971 | 8 | 8 |
| 1970 | 7 | 7 |
| 1969 | 5 | 5 |
| 1968 | 15 | 15 |
| 1967 | 6 | 6 |
| 1963 | 6 | 6 |
Top States for Petar (2023)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| IL | 8 |