PETERSEN

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Petersen

Petersen is a surname of British origin, derived from the given name Peter. It is commonly found in England, particularly in the northern regions. The name Peter itself comes from the Greek word "petros", meaning "stone" or "rock", and is of biblical significance as one of the apostles of Jesus Christ.

The Petersen surname likely originated as a patronymic name, indicating descent from a man named Peter. It is common for surnames to evolve in this manner across various cultures. Over time, the Petersen name has spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, through immigration and migration.

The versatility and resilience of the Petersen surname highlight its enduring legacy and its place in British genealogy. Notable individuals bearing the Petersen surname have made contributions in various fields, including academia, arts, sports, and business, adding to the richness of British cultural history.

There are approximately 1,854 people named Petersen in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,478th most common surname in Britain. Around 28 in a million people in Britain are named Petersen.

Origin: Scandinavian

Region of origin: Europe

Country of origin: Denmark

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Danish

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Andrew
Carl
Christian
David
Hans
John
Martin
Michael
Paul
Peter
Robert
Thomas

Female

Alison
Anne
Christine
Elizabeth
Janet
Joanna
Karen
Lisa
Lorraine
Michelle
Patricia
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.