P
Feminine
English
Meaning & History
Peta is a feminine given name used predominantly in English-speaking countries, chiefly Australia. It originated as a feminine form of Peter. The name Peter derives from the Greek Πέτρος (Petros), meaning "stone," and is a translation of the Aramaic name Cephas, also meaning "stone." This name was given by Jesus to the apostle Simon (see Matthew 16:18 and John 1:42). Simon Peter became one of the most prominent apostles, often considered the first pope, and his widespread veneration led to the name's popularity across the Christian world.
Popularity and Cultural Context
In Australia, Peta has been particularly popular since the mid-20th century, often considered a feminine counterpart to Peter and its nickname Pete. It is sometimes pronounced as "PEE-ta" (rhyming with 'eta') in British and Australian English. The name gained further recognition through notable bearers such as Peta Murgatroyd, a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, and Peta Searle, a pioneering female Australian rules football coach. In American contexts, it is less common but recognized via individuals like anti-war activist Peta Lindsay.Variants and Related Names
Variants include Petra (used in many European languages) and the diminutive Petrina. The masculine forms are Peter and Pete. In other languages, equivalents include Swedish Petra, Bulgarian Petrana, Czech Péťa and Peťa, as well as the French diminutive Perrine. The name Peta also shares its spelling with the animal welfare organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), which is often capitalized, unlike the given name.- Meaning: Feminine form of Peter, "stone"
- Origin: Greek, via English
- Type: First name, feminine
- Usage: English (especially Australian), also New Zealand and UK
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Peta (given name)