Rising since 1991, #6,143 for boys today.
Popularity of Petar since 1963
Babies named Petar per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2006, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Petar's real moment was 2020.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 32 |
| 1970s | 70 |
| 1980s | 75 |
| 1990s | 106 |
| 2000s | 143 |
| 2010s | 126 |
| 2020s | 89 |
Meaning & origin
Petar, the South Slavic form of Peter, has been in use in the United States since at least 1963, though it has never been common nationally. In 2025, it ranked 6,143 and was given to roughly 1 in 122,005 newborns, reflecting its niche appeal. The name saw its peak usage in 2020, and its trajectory has been rising since 1991, indicating a slow but steady increase in interest among families with Balkan heritage or those seeking a distinctive variant of a classic name. Petar is most popular in Illinois, where a sizable Croatian and Serbian community resides. The name carries a strong biblical and royal legacy, being associated with Saint Peter, the first pope, and several medieval kings of Serbia, Croatia, and Bulgaria.
Petar is a South Slavic form of Peter, derived from the Greek Petros (rock). It has been a common name across the Balkans for centuries, popularized by Saint Peter and many medieval monarchs.
Where Petar is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pero, Pejo, Peco
Sibling names for Petar
Names that share Petar's style, for a brother or sister.
