Origin & Meaning of the Pedersen Surname
What does the last name Pedersen mean?
The surname Pedersen carries the meaning "Son of Peder." It is derived from the Old Norse language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 20,135 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pedersen ranks as the #1,780 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pedersen come from?
The Pedersen surname has its roots in Scandinavian heritage. Names of Scandinavian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Pedersen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pedersen trace back to Old Norse. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Pedersen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Peder |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,780 |
| US Count (2010) | 20,135 |
| Per 100K People | 6.83 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pedersen
According to the US Census, the Pedersen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 20,135 Americans with the Pedersen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.35% |
| Black | 0.34% |
| Hispanic | 2.3% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.79% |
| Native American | 0.47% |
| Two or More Races | 1.74% |
Popularity of Pedersen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pedersen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pedersen surname increased by 625 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Scandinavian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pedersen
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