Summary

The surname Peterson is of English origin and is derived from the given name Peter, which means 'rock' or 'stone' in Greek. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally a father's name, indicating someone's son or descendant. Peterson is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
There are
278297
Petersons in the USA
Peterson is the
71st
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Peterson

CarlPeterson

Carl Peterson is a former American football executive and the former president, CEO, and general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL).

JordanPeterson

Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, professor, and author known for his bestselling book '12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos' and his views on political correctness.

EstherPeterson

Esther Peterson was an American consumer advocate, labor union official, and the first woman to serve as the Secretary of Labor.

OscarPeterson

Oscar Peterson was a Canadian jazz pianist and composer, widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.

AdrianPeterson

Adrian Peterson is an American professional football player who is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.

PeteyPablo

Petey Pablo is an American rapper and actor known for his hit single 'Raise Up' and his appearances in films like 'Drumline' and 'Step Up 2: The Streets.'

StacyPeterson

Stacy Peterson was an American woman who went missing in 2007, leading to a highly publicized case and the conviction of her husband for her murder.

SandiPeterson

Sandi Peterson is an American businesswoman and former executive at Johnson & Johnson, where she served as the group worldwide chair.

MeghanPeterson

Meghan Peterson is a television personality and interior designer known for her appearances on the HGTV show 'Restored by the Fords.'

WilliamPeterson

William Peterson is an American actor known for his role as Gil Grissom on the television series 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.'

Peterson Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Peterson' is a patronymic surname of English origin. It means 'son of Peter' and indicates a lineage or descent from someone named Peter.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Peterson' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in states with strong Scandinavian immigrant populations such as Minnesota and North Dakota. It is also found in other English-speaking countries including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Peterson' include 'Petersen' and 'Pettersson.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Peterson' likely originated in England and was brought to other countries by English and Scandinavian immigrants. Many Petersons immigrated to the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries in search of economic opportunities and a better life.