Declining since 1985, #2,363 for boys today.
Popularity of Pete since 1880
Babies named Pete per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1959, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Pete's real moment was 1908.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 590 |
| 1890s | 651 |
| 1900s | 949 |
| 1910s | 4,352 |
| 1920s | 6,285 |
| 1930s | 5,529 |
| 1940s | 6,130 |
| 1950s | 5,926 |
| 1960s | 5,153 |
| 1970s | 2,854 |
| 1980s | 1,964 |
| 1990s | 1,339 |
| 2000s | 893 |
| 2010s | 599 |
| 2020s | 316 |
Meaning & origin
Pete is a classic nickname-turned-given name that has seen steady use in the United States since the 1880s, when it was first recorded. The name reached its peak rank of 2,363 in 1908, a year when its full form Peter was even more popular. However, Pete has been on a declining trajectory since roughly 1985, reflecting a broader trend away from traditional nicknames as standalone names. In 2025, the name was given to roughly 1 in 29,450 baby boys, making it a rare but recognizable choice. Top states for Pete include Tennessee, Florida, and Texas, suggesting a somewhat regional concentration in the South and Southwest. Despite its decline, Pete retains a friendly, approachable image, largely due to its association with the common nickname for Peter.
Pete is a short form of Peter, which derives from the Greek name Petros (Πέτρος), meaning 'rock' or 'stone'. The name Peter was given by Jesus to the apostle Simon, and it became widespread throughout Christendom. Pete emerged as a common nickname in English-speaking countries and has been used as an independent given name since at least the 19th century.
Where Pete is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Peyton
Sibling names for Pete
Names that share Pete's style, for a brother or sister.
