What does Pete mean and where does it come from?
Pete is typically considered a diminutive of the name Peter (Πέτρος in Greek), which means 'rock' or 'stone'. While traditionally male, it has been adopted as a feminine name in contemporary usage. It reflects a trend of using traditionally male names for females, emphasizing strength and resilience
Cultural significance
Pete has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rock.
Peak popularity
Reached #3203 in 1938 — currently #1269 in the US.
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Related Reading
USA-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Pete?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Pete?
Pete works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Pete Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Pete Rose
Floral · soft ending
Pete Claire
French influence · crisp
Pete Jane
Literary · strong
Pete Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Pete right now?
Holding steady — currently #1269 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1269 | 931 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1274 | 911 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1279 | 881 | ▲ up 4573 · +17520% births |
| 1955 | #5852 | 5 | ▼ down 2626 · -37% births |
| 1940 | #3226 | 8 | ▲ up 1763 · +60% births |
| 1925 | #4989 | 5 | — |
The story of Pete
Pete entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. A total of 43,431 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4989 in 1925 to #1269 in 2023. Pete is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Pete in 1938:
Pete by decade
Pete peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 590 | |
| 1890s | 651 | |
| 1900s | 949 | |
| 1910s | 4,368 | |
| 1920s ★ | 6,332 | |
| 1930s | 5,554 | |
| 1940s | 6,149 | |
| 1950s | 5,935 | |
| 1960s | 5,179 | |
| 1970s | 2,885 | |
| 1980s | 1,962 | |
| 1990s | 1,338 | |
| 2000s | 891 | |
| 2010s | 597 | |
| 2020s | 51 | |
What are good nicknames for Pete?
What names sound and feel like Pete?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pete also consider these
How is Pete written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Pete
What does the name Pete mean?
Pete means "Rock" — a name rooted in USA tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Pete?
Pete is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Pete?
Pete originates from USA tradition. USA names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Pete?
Pete is a one-syllable name pronounced P IY1 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Pete sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Pete flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Pete ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.