Origin & Meaning of the Petersen Surname
What does the last name Petersen mean?
The surname Petersen carries the meaning "Son of Peter." 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 58,480 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Petersen ranks as the #571 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Petersen come from?
The Petersen 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 Petersen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Petersen 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 | Petersen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Peter |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #571 |
| US Count (2010) | 58,480 |
| Per 100K People | 19.83 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Petersen
According to the US Census, the Petersen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 58,480 Americans with the Petersen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.42% |
| Black | 1.33% |
| Hispanic | 2.51% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.76% |
| Native American | 0.44% |
| Two or More Races | 1.55% |
Popularity of Petersen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Petersen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Petersen surname increased by 3,295 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Petersen
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