Pedro is a masculine given name with origins in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in the regions of modern-day Spain and Portugal. It is derived from the Greek name Petros, which means "rock" or "stone." The name gained prominence during the spread of Christianity in the region, as it was the name given to the apostle Peter in the New Testament.

The earliest recorded use of the name Pedro dates back to the 4th century AD, when it was used by the Hispano-Roman writer and poet Prudentius in his work "Peristephanon." However, it was not until the 8th century that the name became widespread in the Iberian Peninsula, as the region was heavily influenced by the spread of Christianity during this period.

One of the most notable historical figures with the name Pedro was Pedro I, also known as Pedro the Cruel, who ruled as the King of Castile and León from 1350 to 1369. Another famous bearer of the name was Pedro Álvares Cabral (c. 1467-c. 1520), the Portuguese navigator who is credited with the discovery of Brazil in 1500.

In the realm of literature, Pedro Calderón de la Barca (1600-1681) was a prominent Spanish playwright and poet of the Golden Age of Spanish literature, known for his works such as "Life Is a Dream" and "The Constant Prince." Pedro de Valdivia (c. 1497-1553), a Spanish conquistador, played a significant role in the conquest of Chile and the establishment of the city of Santiago.

The name Pedro also has religious significance, as it was the name of several Catholic saints and popes. One notable example is Saint Pedro de San José Betancur (1626-1667), a Spanish missionary and founder of the Bethlehemite Order, who was canonized in 2002.

Throughout history, the name Pedro has been popular not only in Spain and Portugal but also in their former colonies, particularly in Latin America. It has been borne by numerous notable figures, including Pedro I of Brazil (1798-1834), the first emperor of Brazil, and Pedro Infante (1917-1957), a renowned Mexican actor and singer.