Origin & Meaning of the Peter Surname
What does the last name Peter mean?
The surname Peter carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 9,191 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Peter ranks as the #3,859 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Peter come from?
The Peter surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Peter name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Peter trace back to Old English. 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 | Peter |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,859 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,191 |
| Per 100K People | 3.12 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Peter
According to the US Census, the Peter surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,191 Americans with the Peter last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 71.28% |
| Black | 8.01% |
| Hispanic | 2.92% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 12.02% |
| Native American | 3.7% |
| Two or More Races | 2.08% |
Popularity of Peter Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Peter surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Peter surname increased by 529 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Peter Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Peter ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Peter Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Peter Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Peter
- ✓ The Peter coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Peter families live today
- ✓ Notable Peter bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Peter
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Peter.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Peter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peter
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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