All about the name

Peterson

Male

« Peterson is a Scandinavian patronymic name of Old Norse origin, derived from 'Petr' meaning 'rock', popularized worldwide and historically associated with notable figures. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Peterson is a name of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Norway and Sweden. It is a patronymic name, which means that it was originally derived from the father's given name rather than being a separate given name in its own right. The name Peterson comes from the Old Norse personal name Petr, which is thought to have been derived from the Latin word "Petrus," meaning "rock" or "stone." This name has been used extensively throughout Scandinavia for centuries and has since become popular in other parts of the world as well. In Norwegian, Peterson is often shortened to Pedersen, while in Swedish it may be written as Petersson. The name has also been anglicized to Peterson in English-speaking countries. Historically, the name Peterson has been associated with many notable figures throughout history. For example, in Norway, there was a famous 19th-century painter named Hans Gude who went by the name Hans Gude Pedersen. In Sweden, there was a prominent poet and author named August Strindberg whose father's name was Carl Oscar Peterson. Today, Peterson remains a popular given name for boys throughout Scandinavia and beyond. It is often used as a middle or surname as well. While it may have originated centuries ago from the Latin word "Petrus," the meaning behind this name continues to resonate with many people today who choose to bear this strong and enduring name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Peterson since 1880

Total births
801
Total since 1880
Peak year
1989
28 births
in 2023
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-9%
vs previous 5 years