This list includes 46 Old man names that start with P, from “Paavo” to “Ptolemy”. Many are traditional names from Europe, the Mediterranean, and classical antiquity. Writers, genealogists, and parents use this list for name research and character naming.
Old man names that start with P are male given names often linked to older generations, traditions, or historical figures. For example, Ptolemy evokes classical scholarship while Paavo highlights Nordic naming traditions.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Origin, Meaning, and Notes.
Name: The given name as listed, so you can scan spelling and pick suitable choices for characters or family research.
Origin: Shows the language or country of use, helping you place a name in cultural or regional context when you choose it.
Meaning: Gives a brief definition or root meaning so you understand the name’s significance and assess its tone for your project.
Notes: Brief notes include variants, pronunciation, historical usage, or notable bearers so you judge suitability and historical flavor.
Old man names that start with P
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Variants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul | Latin | small, humble | Paulus, Paolo, Pablo, Pavel, Paavo |
| Peter | Greek | rock, stone | Petros, Pedro, Pietro, Piers |
| Philip | Greek | lover of horses | Phillip, Filip, Felipe |
| Percy | Norman English | from Percy (place name) | Perci, Percival |
| Percival | Old French | pierce the valley | Perceval, Percy |
| Piers | English | rock (variant of Peter) | Pierce, Peter |
| Pierce | English | son of Piers (from Peter) | Piers, Pearce |
| Pietro | Italian | rock (Peter) | Piero, Pietro Paolo |
| Pablo | Spanish | small, humble (Paul) | Paolo, Paulo |
| Pavel | Slavic | small, humble | Pawel, Pavel (Cyrillic) |
| Paavo | Finnish | small, humble (Paul) | Paavo (Finnish) |
| Pascal | Latin/French | relating to Easter | Paschalis, Pascual, Pascoal |
| Pasquale | Italian | relating to Easter | Pascal, Pascual |
| Pascoe | Cornish | relating to Easter | Pascal, Pascall |
| Patrice | French | nobleman (Patrician) | Patrick, Patricio |
| Patrick | Latin/Irish | nobleman, patrician | Patricio, Patrice, Paddy |
| Padraig | Irish Gaelic | nobleman, patrician | Pádraig, Padraic |
| Phineas | Hebrew (via Greek) | biblical; meaning uncertain | Phinehas, Phinees |
| Philemon | Greek | affectionate, loving | Philem, Philémon |
| Philo | Greek | lover, loving | Philos, Phil |
| Philibert | Germanic/French | very bright (from berht) | Filibert, Philbert |
| Pius | Latin | pious, dutiful | Pio, Pius (papal name) |
| Plato | Greek | broad, wide | Platon |
| Pliny | Latin | Roman family name; uncertain meaning | Plinius |
| Polycarp | Greek | much fruit, fruitful | Policarpo |
| Pollux | Greek | mythological twin of Castor | Polydeuces |
| Pompey | Latin | Roman family name (Pompeius) | Pompeo |
| Primo | Italian/Latin | first, prime | Primus |
| Prospero | Latin/Italian | fortunate, prosperous | Prospero (Italian) |
| Prudencio | Spanish | prudent, cautious | Prudence (rare male), Prudencio |
| Procopius | Greek/Byzantine | advance, progress | Procopio, Prokopios |
| Porfirio | Greek/Spanish | purple-clad, regal | Porfirio, Porfyrios |
| Pepin | Frankish | medieval Frankish name, meaning uncertain | Pépin |
| Pelham | English | place-name as given name | Pelham (historic) |
| Peleg | Hebrew | division | Peleg (biblical) |
| Placidus | Latin | calm, peaceful | Placid |
| Polydore | Greek | many-gifted | Polydorus |
| Ptolemy | Greek/Egyptian | warlike, martial (ancient) | Tolomeo |
| Parmenion | Greek | ancient Macedonian general’s name | Parmenio |
| Phocas | Greek | seal | Phokas |
| Philetus | Greek | beloved, loved | Philetos |
| Policarpo | Spanish/Latin | much fruit (Polycarp) | Polycarp, Policarpo |
| Patricio | Spanish | nobleman, patrician | Patricio, Patrick |
| Patroclus | Greek | glory of the father | Patroklos |
| Palmer | English | pilgrim | Palmer (medieval) |
| Pepino? (skip) |
Descriptions
Paul
Biblical apostle name widely used across Europe and English-speaking countries; classic and often associated with older generations.
Peter
Archetypal Christian name from Saint Peter; timeless in many languages and commonly borne by older men.
Philip
Ancient Macedonian royal name (Philip II); long-established in Europe and viewed as traditional and stately.
Percy
Originally a Norman surname-place turned given name; Victorian-era popularity gives it an old-fashioned, genteel vibe.
Percival
Arthurian knight name; medieval origins and literary use make it sound antiquated and distinguished.
Piers
Old English form of Peter; historically common in England and often evokes older generations.
Pierce
Traditional English given name with medieval roots; familiar but less common among younger men.
Pietro
Italian form of Peter; long-used in Italy, frequently encountered among older Italian men.
Pablo
Spanish form of Paul; widespread in Hispanic cultures and associated with older as well as younger generations.
Pavel
Slavic form of Paul common in Russia and Eastern Europe; traditional and often seen among older men.
Paavo
Finnish form of Paul; traditional in Finland and often associated with elder generations.
Pascal
Name tied to Easter (Pascha); common in French and continental contexts and carries a classical, older feel.
Pasquale
Italian variant of Pascal; traditional in Italy and typical among older Italian men.
Pascoe
Cornish form of Paschal; an old regional name with historic usage especially in southwest England.
Patrice
French male form of Patrick; historically common and carries a mature, continental sound.
Patrick
From Latin patricius and popularized in Ireland by St. Patrick; classic and frequently associated with older men.
Padraig
Traditional Irish form of Patrick; long-standing usage among older Irish men and in Gaelic communities.
Phineas
Biblical name with an antique, solemn tone; uncommon today but historically used by older generations.
Philemon
Biblical and classical name; rare now but historically respectable and often perceived as old-fashioned.
Philo
Classical name element (philo-) used as a standalone name in antiquity; carries an intellectual, old-world feel.
Philibert
Medieval continental name borne by saints and nobles; archaic and typically associated with older historical figures.
Pius
Roman and papal name with strong religious connotations; traditional and often linked to elder clergy or historical figures.
Plato
Famous classical philosopher’s name; rare as a personal name today but unmistakably ancient and scholarly.
Pliny
Name of notable Roman writers (Pliny the Elder/Younger); evokes classical scholarship and antiquity.
Polycarp
Early Christian saint’s name; used historically in Christian communities and seen as traditional and venerable.
Pollux
Classical mythological name; rare but historically attested and carries a distinctly ancient flair.
Pompey
Famous Roman general (Pompey the Great); classical, historical name sometimes used in later eras.
Primo
Italian given name meaning “first”; common among older Italian men and with a vintage, familial feel.
Prospero
Shakespearean and Italian name indicating good fortune; literary and somewhat antiquated.
Prudencio
Spanish form of a virtue name; historically used and associated with older, traditional bearers.
Procopius
Byzantine historian’s name; classical and medieval usage gives it an archaic, scholarly association.
Porfirio
Classical-derived name used in Mediterranean cultures; traditional and often seen among elder men.
Pepin
Name of early medieval Frankish rulers; archaic and strongly associated with history and dynasty.
Pelham
Originally a surname/place-name adopted as a masculine given name; used in Britain among older generations.
Peleg
Biblical patriarch name meaning “division”; uncommon now but historically attested and old-fashioned.
Placidus
Latin saint’s name; rare but historically used in Catholic contexts and evokes calm, old-world charm.
Polydore
Ancient/medieval classical name meaning “many gifts”; literary and archaic in modern use.
Ptolemy
Hellenistic royal name borne by Egyptian kings; classical and scholarly, rarely used today but historically significant.
Parmenion
Historic name from Alexander the Great’s age; classical and rarely used, evokes antiquity.
Phocas
Byzantine emperor’s name; historically attested and perceived as archaic and distinctly Byzantine.
Philetus
Minor New Testament figure’s name; rare today but historically used in Christian contexts.
Policarpo
Spanish/Latin form of Polycarp; traditional in Catholic cultures and associated with older generations.
Patricio
Spanish form of Patrick; common historically in Hispanic countries and carries a classic tone.
Patroclus
Homeric name from the Iliad; classical, heroic, and associated with ancient literature.
Palmer
Medieval occupational name meaning “pilgrim”; historically used as a given name in England and feels old-fashioned.
Pepino? (skip)