Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Petra
GirlGreek, Latin· “rock”
- Meaning
- rock
- Origin
- Greek, Latin
- Pronunciation
- PET-ruh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,372
- US babies 2025
- 161
- Best rank
- #435 (1894)
- Peak year
- 1927
Meaning and origin of Petra
Petra is a Greek and Latin name that means “rock”.
Greek petra means 'rock' or 'stone', and Petra is the feminine form of Peter. The name echoes the apostle Peter, whose name symbolized a firm foundation, and it is widely used in Central and Northern Europe. It also shares its name with Petra, the ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-colored rock in present-day Jordan. Petra feels strong, grounded and cosmopolitan. Pet and Pip are playful nicknames, and Pietra is the Italian form.
Popularity over time
Petra first appears in US Social Security records in 1881. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 86 different years, starting in 1881. Its best national rank was #435 in 1894, and the most babies received it in 1927, when 197 were named Petra. In 2025, 161 babies were named Petra, and it ranked #1,372 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #582 in 1920, #760 in 1950, #1,166 in 1980, #1,881 in 2000, #2,025 in 2010, and #1,372 in 2025. Of the 14,559 US girls named Petra since records began, 12% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,433 babies. Since 2010, 2,356 more have been named Petra.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Francisca, Ardis, Delma, Pearline, and Belva.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Petra ranked highest in Oregon, Washington, and Colorado.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | #610 | 6 |
| Washington | #721 | 9 |
| Colorado | #877 | 6 |
| New York | #1018 | 15 |
| Florida | #1044 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Petra is usually pronounced PET-ruh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with P and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Petra
A few middle names that flow with Petra: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Petra
Similar names
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Lists that include Petra
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Petra mean?
Petra is a Greek and Latin name that means “rock”.
What is the origin of the name Petra?
Petra has Greek and Latin roots. Greek petra means 'rock' or 'stone', and Petra is the feminine form of Peter.
Is Petra a popular name?
Not especially. Petra ranked #1,372 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Petra a boy or girl name?
Petra is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Petra?
Petra is usually pronounced PET-ruh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings