Origin & Meaning of the Petro Surname
What does the last name Petro mean?
The surname Petro carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,777 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Petro ranks as the #5,957 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Petro come from?
The Petro surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Petro name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Petro trace back to European. 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 | Petro |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,957 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,777 |
| Per 100K People | 1.96 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Petro
According to the US Census, the Petro surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,777 Americans with the Petro last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.39% |
| Black | 1.54% |
| Hispanic | 3.1% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 0.21% |
| Two or More Races | 1.14% |
Popularity of Petro Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Petro surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Petro surname decreased by 63 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Petro Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Petro ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Petro Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Petro Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Petro
- ✓ The Petro coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Petro families live today
- ✓ Notable Petro 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 Petro
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Petro.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Petro.
Frequently Asked Questions About Petro
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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