Boy · Greek · New Testament

Peter

PEE-ter · from Petros · means “Rock, stone”

Peter comes from the Greek Petros, meaning "rock" or "stone," translating the Aramaic Cephas. Jesus gave this name to Simon, a fisherman, declaring that on this rock He would build His church. Peter's story is one of bold faith, painful failure, and full restoration.

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

The story behind the name

Jesus renamed Simon the moment they met: "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (John 1:42). Later, when Peter declared Jesus to be the Christ, Jesus answered, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18).

Peter's faith was bold but unsteady; he walked on water and then sank, and on the night of Jesus' arrest he denied even knowing Him three times. Yet after the resurrection, Jesus met Peter on a beach and restored him with the same question three times over: "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-17).

That restored fisherman became the church's foundational preacher, proclaiming Christ boldly at Pentecost. A boy named Peter carries a name that means rock, a promise that failure is never the end of the story God is writing.

Middle names that sing with Peter

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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