Petronella

“the rock”

Latin origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1774US 2023

426Births / yr

→Stable

335All-time births

📅 Since 188400

How to pronounce Petronella

petr·oh·NEL·uh

/ˌpɛtr.oʊ.ˈnɛl.ə/ · stress on NEL · 4 syllables

“the rock”

Latin origin · Girl name

What does Petronella mean and where does it come from?

The name Petronella is derived from the name Petrus, meaning 'rock' in Latin. It has variants in several languages, including Petronella in Dutch and Polish. The name is often associated with St. Petronilla, a supposed daughter of St. Peter. Petronella has historical significance, especially in Euro

Cultural significance

Petronella has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the rock.

Peak popularity

Reached #1160 in 1884 — currently #1774 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Petronella?

Petronella works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Petronella Grace

How popular is Petronella right now?

Holding steady — currently #1774 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#1774 · Top 1.3%

1910

1915

1920

1925

1940

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1774	426	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2022	#1779	406	▲ up 5 · +8% births
2021	#1784	376	▲ up 2653 · +7420% births
1940	#4437	5	▼ down 1771 · -62% births
1925	#2666	13	▲ up 472 · +30% births
1920	#3138	10	▼ down 1231 · -41% births
1915	#1907	17	▲ up 291 · +183% births
1910	#2198	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Petronella

Best Year2023Rank #1774

Peak Count426

Average Rank#2460

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1910 - 20238 years

The story of Petronella

Petronella has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. With 335 total births recorded, Petronella remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2198 in 1910 to #1774 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Petronella in 1884:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Minnie

Petronella by decade

Petronella peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1890s	5
1900s	22
1910s ★	142
1920s	96
1930s	36
1940s	29

💎Petronella has only 335 total recorded births since 1884 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Petronella?

DANISH

Pernille

NORWEGIAN

Pernille

SLOVAK

Nela

SWEDISH

Pernilla

Famous people named Petronella

Petronella (historical Roman figure)

Petronella carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.

Petronella (Renaissance scholar)

Petronella used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.

Petronella (historical Roman figure)

Petronella carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.

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What names sound and feel like Petronella?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Petronella also consider these

Latin · A name referencing

How is Petronella written in other languages?

What are the boy versions of Petronella?

Petronius ANCIENT ROMAN Petrona SPANISH

Common questions about the name Petronella

What does the name Petronella mean?

Petronella means "the rock" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Petronella?

Petronella is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Petronella?

Petronella originates from Latin tradition. Latin 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 Petronella?

Petronella is a four-syllable name pronounced P EH2 T R OW0 N EH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Petronella?

Petronella pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.