Pedro

The name Pedro is a widely recognized masculine given name with deep historical and religious roots, predominantly used in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking cultures.

Origin

Pedro is the Spanish and Portuguese equivalent of the name Peter. It ultimately derives from the Greek name Πέτρος (Petros), which itself is a translation of the Aramaic name Cephas (ܟܐܦܐ‎, Kēpā), given to the apostle Simon by Jesus Christ.

Meaning

The name Pedro, through its Greek origin Πέτρος (Petros), means 'rock' or 'stone.' This meaning is highly significant due to its biblical association with Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles, whom Jesus referred to as the 'rock' upon which the Christian Church would be built.

Biblical Significance

The prominence of Pedro is intrinsically linked to Saint Peter (Simón Pedro), a leading apostle in the New Testament. His designation as the 'rock' (Matthew 16:18) established a powerful symbolic meaning for the name, associating it with steadfastness, foundation, and leadership within Christianity. This connection has ensured its enduring popularity in Christian communities.

Variations and Usage

As a cognate of Peter, Pedro shares its roots with numerous variations across different languages, including Pierre (French), Pietro (Italian), Peter (English and German), and Pyotr (Russian). The name Pedro is exceptionally common in Spain, Portugal, and throughout Latin America, borne by numerous historical figures, including monarchs, saints, artists, and explorers, cementing its cultural importance in these regions.