The name Peter is derived from the Greek word "Petros" which means "rock" or "stone". It dates back to ancient times and has its origins in the biblical figure of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.

The name gained widespread popularity in the early days of Christianity. Saint Peter, originally known as Simon, was given the name Petros by Jesus, as mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew. This symbolic renaming signified Peter's role as the "rock" upon which the Church would be built.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Peter can be found in the New Testament of the Bible. Peter, also known as Simon Peter or Cephas, was a prominent figure in the early Christian Church. He is considered the first Pope by the Roman Catholic Church and is revered as a saint by various Christian denominations.

Throughout history, the name Peter has been borne by numerous influential individuals. Some notable examples include:

1. Peter the Great (1672-1725), the famous Russian Tsar who transformed Russia into a major European power.
2. Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), a renowned Flemish painter and one of the most influential artists of the Baroque era.
3. Peter the Hermit (c. 1050-1115), a Catholic priest and preacher who played a crucial role in initiating the First Crusade.
4. Saint Peter Claver (1580-1654), a Spanish Jesuit priest who dedicated his life to ministering to enslaved Africans in Cartagena, Colombia.
5. Peter Abelard (1079-1142), a medieval French philosopher, theologian, and one of the most influential thinkers of the 12th century.

The name Peter has been popular across various cultures and regions, with variations in spelling and pronunciation. In many Slavic languages, such as Russian and Polish, it is rendered as "Pyotr" or "Piotr". In Arabic, it is known as "Butrus" or "Bitrus". These variations showcase the widespread adoption and adaptation of the name throughout history.