The name Pierre is a French masculine name derived from the Greek name Petros, meaning "rock" or "stone." This name has its origins in the Bible, specifically referring to the apostle Simon, whom Jesus renamed as Peter (Petros in Greek, Petrus in Latin).

The earliest recorded use of the name Pierre can be traced back to the 5th century in France, where it became a popular name among the Franks. It gained widespread popularity throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly in areas influenced by French culture and language.

One of the earliest and most famous bearers of the name Pierre was Pierre Abélard, a French philosopher and theologian (1079-1142) known for his tragic love affair with Héloïse and his contributions to scholastic philosophy.

Another notable Pierre was Pierre de Fermat (1601-1665), a French mathematician who made significant contributions to the fields of optics, probability theory, and analytic geometry. He is best known for Fermat's Last Theorem, which remained unsolved for over three centuries.

Pierre Curie (1859-1906), a French physicist, is renowned for his pioneering work on radioactivity, for which he and his wife, Marie Curie, were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903. Their joint research laid the foundation for modern nuclear physics and chemistry.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) was a renowned French Impressionist painter known for his vibrant depictions of modern life, particularly his portraits and scenes of Parisian leisure and beauty. His masterpieces, such as "Luncheon of the Boating Party" and "Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette," are celebrated for their vivid colors and brushwork.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) was a French philosopher, paleontologist, and Jesuit priest known for his pioneering work in combining scientific theories with religious thought. His ideas on the synthesis of science and religion, particularly his concept of the "Omega Point," influenced many scholars and thinkers of the 20th century.