Summary

The surname Petersen is of German origin and is derived from the given name Peter, which means 'rock' or 'stone'. It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally used to identify a person as the son of someone named Peter. Petersen is a common surname in Germany, Denmark, and Norway, and it has spread to other countries through emigration.
There are
58480
Petersens in the USA
Petersen is the
571st
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Petersen

PetersenZagaze

Petersen Zagaze is a Zambian musician known for his hit songs such as 'Fendela Zambian' and 'School'.

MitchellPetersen

Mitchell Petersen is an American economist known for his research in corporate finance and entrepreneurship.

KasperBoye

Kasper Boye Petersen is a Danish professional football player who currently plays as a midfielder for the Danish club FC Midtjylland.

GingerPetersen

Ginger Petersen is an American actress known for her role as Susan in the 1978 film 'Halloween'.

KerryPetersen

Kerry Petersen is an Australian cricketer who played for the Australian women's national cricket team.

LassePetersen

Lasse Petersen is a Danish conductor known for his work with the Copenhagen Philharmonic and the Danish National Symphony Orchestra.

PoulPetersen

Poul Petersen is a retired Danish football player who played as a defender for Odense Boldklub and the Danish national team.

JakePetersen

Jake Petersen is an American entrepreneur and author known for his book 'The Million-Dollar One-Person Business'.

IngridPetersen

Ingrid Petersen is a Danish fashion model who has worked with various international brands and designers.

CarlPetersen

Carl Petersen was a Danish naval officer and explorer who explored the coasts of East Africa and established German colonies in modern-day Tanzania.

Petersen Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Petersen' is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Peter, meaning 'rock' or 'stone'. It originated in Denmark and other Scandinavian countries.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Petersen' is most commonly found in Denmark, Norway, and other Scandinavian countries, as well as in communities with Scandinavian ancestry around the world.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Petersen' include 'Peterson', 'Pedersen', 'Peters', 'Petersons', 'Pederson', 'Peter', 'Petersson', 'Petersson', 'Peeters', and 'Petersen'.
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Petersen' have migrated and immigrated to various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, primarily during the 19th and 20th centuries.