This page brings together 18 German boy names that start with the letter P, running alphabetically from “Paul” to “Primus”. These names range from timeless classics to short, modern forms and old regional favorites. Parents use this list to compare options, check meanings, and find a name that feels right for their son.

German boy names are first names traditionally given to baby boys in German-speaking countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Many draw on Latin, Greek, or biblical roots, while others grew from warm regional pet forms. The name Peter, for example, was hugely common in the mid-20th century and traces back to a Greek word meaning rock.

Below you’ll find the table with Name, Pronunciation, Meaning, and Description.

Name: This shows the German boy name itself, spelled the way you would write it on a birth certificate or use in daily life.

Pronunciation: This gives a simple phonetic guide so you can say each name correctly out loud before you decide on it.

Meaning: This explains the original sense behind the name, helping you choose one whose message matches what you want for your child.

Description: This shares a short note on each name’s background, popularity, or cultural ties, giving you helpful context at a glance.

German boy names

NamePronunciationMeaning
PaulPOWLSmall, humble
PauliPOW-leeSmall, humble
PatrickPA-trickNobleman, patrician
PeterPAY-terRock, stone
PiusPEE-oosPious, dutiful
PankrazPAN-kratsAll-powerful
PaulusPOW-loosSmall, humble
PirminPEER-minOf the forest, first
PoldiPOL-deeBold people
PhilippFEE-lipLover of horses
PepePEH-pehGod will add
PhilFILLover of horses
Pascalpas-KALOf Easter, Passover
PietPEETRock, stone
PitPITRock, stone
PellePEL-luhRock, stone
PerPAYRRock, stone
PrimusPREE-moosThe first

Descriptions

Paul
A timeless German classic of Latin origin, Paul has stayed popular for generations and is the German form of the apostle’s name.
Pauli
A friendly diminutive of Paul, used affectionately in everyday German and sometimes as a standalone nickname.
Patrick
Borrowed into German from the Irish saint’s name, Patrick became widely popular in German-speaking countries through the late 20th century.
Peter
One of the most enduring German names, Peter comes from Greek and was hugely common in the mid-20th century.
Pius
A Latin name meaning devout, Pius carries a religious tone and was borne by several popes.
Pankraz
An old German form of Pancras, derived from Greek, once common in Bavaria and tied to a spring saint’s day.
Paulus
The full Latin form of Paul, Paulus has a scholarly, classical feel and appears in older church records.
Pirmin
A name linked to Saint Pirmin, an 8th-century monk who founded monasteries in southern Germany.
Poldi
A warm Bavarian and Austrian pet form of Leopold, made internationally familiar by footballer Lukas “Poldi” Podolski.
Philipp
The German spelling of Philip, from Greek, a steady favorite often shortened to Phil or Flip.
Pepe
A casual nickname form, originally Spanish for Joseph, that has caught on as a cute German short name.
Phil
A short, modern form of Philipp, popular with German parents seeking a brief international name.
Pascal
Brought into German from French, Pascal is given to boys and references the Easter season.
Piet
A short Low German and Dutch-influenced form of Peter, common near Germany’s northern coast.
Pit
A Luxembourgish and western German short form of Peter, brief and informal.
Pelle
A Nordic-flavored pet form of Peter that has spread into northern German use.
Per
A Scandinavian form of Peter occasionally used in northern Germany near the Danish border.
Primus
A Latin name meaning first-born, rare and old-fashioned but still recorded in German registers.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.