PETERSON
Peterson
Origin and Meaning
Peterson is a common surname of English and Scottish origin. The name is a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Peter." The given name Peter itself is derived from the Greek word "petros," which means "rock" or "stone." Therefore, Peterson represents a lineage or family connection to an ancestor named Peter.
Distribution
The surname Peterson is prevalent in countries with a strong historical connection to England and Scotland, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Within the UK, it is most commonly found in England, particularly in areas with a significant historical population of Anglo-Saxons and later Scandinavian settlers.
Variants
Variants of the Peterson surname include Petterson, Petersen, and Pettison. These variations may have arisen due to regional dialects, phonetic changes over time, or individual family preferences.
Notable People
- Jordan Peterson (b. 1962): A prominent Canadian clinical psychologist, cultural critic, and professor of psychology. Known for his controversial views on gender identity, political correctness, and free speech.
- Helen Peterson (1890–1967): A British artist known for her exquisite watercolour landscapes and illustrations, often depicting scenes from rural England.
- Thomas Peterson (1733–1803): A Scottish inventor and engineer who made significant contributions to the development of steam power and early industrial machinery.
Coat of Arms
The Peterson surname is associated with a variety of coat of arms designs, each reflecting the unique history and lineage of the family bearing the name. The use of heraldic symbols and colours in Peterson coat of arms designs signifies attributes such as courage, loyalty, and family pride.
In Popular Culture
The surname Peterson has appeared in various popular culture works, such as novels, films, and television series, often as a character name. This reflects the enduring popularity and recognition of the surname among audiences worldwide.
In conclusion, the surname Peterson holds a rich heritage and has been carried by individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, from academia to the arts. Its prevalence in English-speaking countries cements its place as a common and recognisable surname with a notable lineage.
There are approximately 4,104 people named Peterson in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,269th most common surname in Britain. Around 63 in a million people in Britain are named Peterson.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- Thomas
Female
- Angela
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jacqueline
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Karen
- Laura
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Peter
- Paterson
- Patersen
- Petersone
- Patersn
- Patherson
- Patreson
- Pattarson
- Pattersen
- Patterson
- Pattersson
- Patterston
- Pattirson
- Pattrson
- Peaterson
- Pedersen
- Pederson
- Pedersson
- Peeterson
- Peitersen
- Peterse
- Petersen
- Petersohn
- Petersons
- Peterssen
- Petersson
- Peterston
- Peteson
- Pettersen
- Petterson
- Petterssen
- Pettersson
- Petursson
- Pieterse
- Pietersen
- Pieterson
- Pietersz
- Pitterson
- Potterson
- Patison
- Pattison
- Peaters
- Peterken
- Peters
- Petrusson
- Petters
- Pettieson
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.