Origin & Meaning of the Peterson Surname
What does the last name Peterson mean?
The surname Peterson carries the meaning "Son of Peter." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 278,297 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Peterson ranks as the #71 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Peterson come from?
The Peterson surname has its roots in English/Scandinavian heritage. Names of English/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 Peterson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Peterson trace back to 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 | Peterson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Peter |
| Origin | English/Scandinavian |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #71 |
| US Count (2010) | 278,297 |
| Per 100K People | 94.34 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Peterson
According to the US Census, the Peterson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 278,297 Americans with the Peterson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.39% |
| Black | 10.09% |
| Hispanic | 2.4% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.66% |
| Native American | 0.74% |
| Two or More Races | 1.72% |
Popularity of Peterson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Peterson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Peterson surname increased by 3,256 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Peterson
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Other English/Scandinavian Surnames
Explore more surnames with English/Scandinavian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English/Scandinavian origin as Peterson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peterson
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