Per
PEHR
Per is the Scandinavian form of Peter, which derives from the Greek 'petros' meaning rock or stone. It is one of the oldest and most established male names across the Nordic countries, prized for its simplicity, strength, and directness. The name carries the same solid, dependable meaning as its Greek and Latin equivalents but with a distinctly Scandinavian character.
At a glance
The quintessential Scandinavian form of Peter, Per is short, strong, and solid, a classic Norse name with centuries of history across Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
Etymology & History
Per is the Norse adaptation of the Latin Petrus, itself derived from Greek 'petros', meaning rock or stone. The name entered Scandinavia through Christianity and quickly became one of the most widely used male names in the region. It belongs to the same family as Peder (Danish/Norwegian), Peer (an older Norwegian variant), and Pietro (Italian). The name has been in continuous use in Scandinavia for over a thousand years.
Cultural Significance
Per has been one of the most consistently popular male names in Sweden and Norway for centuries. In Swedish naming tradition it ranks among the classic triumvirate of Per, Lars, and Anders. The name's brevity and strength made it ideal across all social classes. Ibsen's Peer Gynt, the great Norwegian dramatic poem, takes its name from this tradition (using the older spelling Peer). While usage has declined in favour of more contemporary names, Per retains a warm, respected status in Scandinavian culture. For parents of Norse heritage, it is a clean, uncomplicated link to that tradition.
Famous people named Per
Per Teodor Cleve
A 19th-century Swedish chemist who discovered the elements holmium and thulium and made significant contributions to oceanography.
Per Gessle
Swedish musician and co-founder of the pop duo Roxette, one of the most internationally successful Swedish acts of the 1980s and 1990s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Per
Peer
“Rock or stone”
Peer is a German and Scandinavian form of Peter, itself from the Greek Petros meaning rock or stone. The name carries associations of steadfastness, reliability, and groundedness. In its brevity it has a striking, modern quality, though it is rooted in one of the oldest and most widespread names in the Christian tradition. It is particularly associated with the Norwegian literary hero Peer Gynt.
Peter
“Rock or stone”
Peter is a strong, enduring name meaning "rock" or "stone," derived from the Greek word "petros." While used across many languages and cultures, the German form Peter (pronounced PAY-ter) has a particular warmth and solidity. It is one of the most universally recognised names in the Western world, symbolising steadfastness and reliability.
Pietro
“Rock, stone”
Pietro is the Italian form of Peter, derived from the Greek Petros, meaning rock or stone. The name carries connotations of solidity, reliability, and enduring strength. Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles and regarded as the first pope, gave this name its foundational place in Italian Catholic culture, and it has been borne by artists, composers, and statesmen throughout Italian history.
Where you'll find Per
Per shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.