Spanish form of Peter, from Greek 'petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.'
Pedro is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Peter, a name that comes from the Greek Petros, “rock” or “stone,” itself used to translate the Aramaic nickname given to the apostle Simon in the New Testament. Few names have traveled so widely or so continuously through world history. Through Latin Petrus, the name spread across Christian Europe and took on local forms in nearly every major language.
Pedro is one of the most enduring Iberian expressions of that ancient lineage, carrying both biblical authority and everyday familiarity. The name has been borne by kings of Spain, Portugal, and Brazil, as well as saints, poets, politicians, athletes, and artists across the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world. Because of Saint Peter’s symbolic role as steadfast disciple and foundational figure of the Church, Pedro inherited a strong aura of solidity and faith.
Yet in lived culture it has often felt approachable rather than austere, helped by its rhythm and warmth. In literature and folklore, Pedro appears frequently as an ordinary man’s name, making it feel both noble and popular. Over time, its usage has remained remarkably stable in Hispanic and Lusophone communities, even as fashions shift around it. Pedro is a classic that wears its age lightly: ancient in origin, global in reach, and still vivid in contemporary life.