Pedro

Stone; rock

Pedro means “stone” or “rock” and belongs to the same name family as Peter. Its Spanish and Portuguese forms share the spelling Pedro, while the underlying meaning comes from Greek Petros. The connection with the apostle Peter gives Pedro a Christian background. It also belongs to the naming traditions of Latin America; that cultural setting is distinct from its Greek etymology. The stone imagery can lend Pedro a pleasing sense of solidity. In Spanish, Pedro has two syllables, with the stress on the first: /ˈpe.ðɾo/. The d is light and the r a brief tap. Portuguese pronunciation differs, so a Spanish guide is not a guide to every Pedro. The firm opening and rounded final o give the Spanish form a compact, unhurried feel. For someone drawn to traditional names without an elaborate sound, that balance is part of its appeal.

Etymology: Pedro is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Peter, whose Greek source, Petros, means “stone”.