Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Peter.
National Rank (2025)
#187
All-Time Peak Rank
#31 (1880)
Total U.S. Births
589,588
Unisex Distribution99.7% Boy / 0.3% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Male
💡 The Peter Vibe: This choice is considered a Perennial Favorite. A historic staple that has maintained dominant national popularity for over half a century.
📖 The Story Behind Peter
According to SSA data, Peter achieved its highest historical rank of #31 in 1880. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1957 with 11,603 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have increased by 0.8%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 146 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Peter scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Rising
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
+0.8% Growth
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record11,603Births in 1957
Years in Top 100
117yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
146Years
Historical VolatilityModerately Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:4,656
1890s:4,028
1900s:4,375
1910s:24,935
1920s:34,066
1930s:35,822
1940s:69,330
1950s:102,747
1960s:92,418
1970s:62,320
1980s:56,713
1990s:42,394
2000s:26,136
2010s:18,725
2020s:10,923
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesPe-ter
Letter Count5 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: Longer than 7.7% of SSA names. Starts with P, a letter used by only 1.6% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Peter? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics