Meaning & History
Etymology and Origins
Petra is the feminine form of Peter, which itself derives from the Greek Πέτρος (Petros), meaning "stone". In the New Testament, Jesus gave the apostle Simon the name Cephas, Aramaic for "stone," translated into Greek as Petros. Thus, Petra directly mirrors this meaning in its feminine suffix, making it a name metronymic in spirit.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The name has been popular across Europe in many languages—Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, English, Finnish, German, Hungarian, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish, Swedish—due to the widespread veneration of Saint Peter. It is also notable as the name of the ancient Nabataean city carved into rose‑red sandstone cliffs in southern Jordan. This city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, was an essential hub on the incense route. Its striking tomb temples and monumental façades have come to symbolize a mystic lost world, and the name has consequently been associated with both solid Petrine steadfastness and a sense of ancient wonder preserved in rock.
Notable Bearers
- Petra Kelly (1947‑1992), a German green politician and activist.
- Petra Němcová (1979‑), Czech supermodel and philanthropist.
- Petra Rosicky (1986‑) American jazz singer.
- In fiction, Petra is an incarnation in the Doctor Who verse as Petra the Unearthly.
Forms and Variants
Related feminine names include the Dutch Petronella, Italian Pietra, French Perrine, and diminutives like Penka (Bulgarian) and Petrika. Masculine counterparts, such as the Czech Petr and Spanish Pedro, remain common in various cultures.
Key Facts
- Meaning: "Stone" or "rock"
- Origin: Greek, via the name Peter
- Type: First name (feminine)
- Usage regions: Europe (especially Central and Eastern Europe), Australia, English-speaking world
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Petra