Peadar

Peadar is the Irish form of the given name Peter. It is commonly used in Ireland and among Irish communities, where it functions as a formal name in full rather than a nickname in many contexts. In English-language settings, the equivalent Peter is often used.

Etymology and meaning: Peadar derives from the Latin Petrus, itself from the Greek Petros, meaning rock or stone. The name has been embedded in Irish Christian and cultural traditions for centuries, with Naomh Peadar (Saint Peter) appearing in Irish religious contexts.

Usage and cultural context: The name appears in Irish-language literature and historical records. It was particularly prominent in the 19th and early 20th centuries and remains a recognizable traditional Irish name, especially among speakers of Irish or within families that maintain Gaelic naming practices.

Notable bearers: One well-known bearer is Peadar Kearney (1883–1942), an Irish songwriter who co-wrote the lyrics to The Soldier’s Song, which later became Ireland’s national anthem. The name has been used by various Irish writers, politicians, and public figures across different periods.

See also: Peter (given name), Irish given names. Peadar reflects a broader pattern of Gaelicization of common Christian names in Ireland and highlights the cultural intersection of language and identity in Irish naming practices.