Origin & Meaning of the Petterson Surname
What does the last name Petterson mean?
The surname Petterson carries the meaning "Son of Petter." 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 3,136 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Petterson ranks as the #10,280 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Petterson come from?
The Petterson 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 Petterson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Petterson 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 | Petterson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Petter |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,280 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,136 |
| Per 100K People | 1.06 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Petterson
According to the US Census, the Petterson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,136 Americans with the Petterson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.48% |
| Black | 11.77% |
| Hispanic | 4.78% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 1.69% |
Popularity of Petterson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Petterson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Petterson surname increased by 112 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Petterson
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