Of Greek origin.
Russian form of the Greek name “Πέτρος”(Petros), deriving from the word “πέτρα” (petra), meaning “stone”, “rock”.
The name was widely used due to Apostle Peter. His name was Simon, until Jesus gave him the name Peter, to signify the importance of his presence upon which Christ would build Christianity.
The name was common in the Christian world in different spellings.
Many rulers were named Peter, in Russia and Portugal, including the czar Peter the Great, a reformer of the country.
Saint Peter is connected with the Roman Catholics and is considered as one of two founders of the Church in Rome, with Apostle Paul. Clement of Alexandria wrote that Peter preached the word of Christ in Rome.
Feminine forms of the name are Petra, Peta, Petrina, Perrine, Pierrette.
Other forms of the name are Peter, Petros, Pete, Pierre, Piero, Piers, Pier, Petter, Peer, Piero, Pietro, Pedro, Pierce, Petia, Petya.
Famous bearers are Pyotr Alexeyevich known as Peter the Great Emperor of All the Russias, Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Kropotkin, Pyotr Fyodorov, Pyotr Kapitsa.