Peterson

“rock”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#11894US 2023

6Births / yr

↓Falling

775All-time births

📅 Since 195000

How to pronounce Peterson

PEE·ter·sun

/ˈpiː.tɝ.sən/ · stress on PEE · 3 syllables

“rock”

American origin · Boy name

What does Peterson mean and where does it come from?

The name Peterson is derived from the given name Peter, which comes from the Greek word 'petros,' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' It is a common surname in Scandinavian countries and has also gained popularity as a first name in English-speaking nations. The first recorded use of Peterson as a surname da

Cultural significance

Peterson has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #2311 in 1982 — currently #11894 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Peterson?

Peterson works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Peterson Grace

How popular is Peterson right now?

Falling — down 4278 spots — currently #11894 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1950–2023#11894 · Top 8.8%

1960

1965

1970

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#11894	6	▼ down 4278 · -45% births
2022	#7616	11	▲ up 1042 · +22% births
2021	#8658	9	▼ down 568
2020	#8090	9	▼ down 487 · -10% births
2015	#7603	10	▼ down 837 · -17% births
2010	#6766	12	▲ up 1027 · +33% births
2005	#7793	9	▼ down 4336 · -62% births
2000	#3457	24	▲ up 459 · +50% births
1995	#3916	16	▼ down 541 · -11% births
1990	#3375	18	▲ up 131 · +38% births
1985	#3506	13	▲ up 15 · +8% births
1980	#3521	12	▲ up 993 · +100% births
1970	#4514	6	▼ down 702
1965	#3812	6	▲ up 649 · +20% births
1960	#4461	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Peterson

Best Year1990Rank #3375

Peak Count24

Average Rank#5685

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1950 - 202317 years

The story of Peterson

Peterson entered American naming records in 1950 and has been in use for over 74 years. With 775 total births recorded, Peterson remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4176 in 1950, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11894 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Peterson in 1982:

Michael Christopher Matthew Jason David

Peterson by decade

Peterson peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	37
1960s	50
1970s	69
1980s ★	178
1990s	175
2000s	143
2010s	114
2020s	9

💎Peterson has only 775 total recorded births since 1950 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Peterson?

Common

PetPetiePetyErson

What names sound and feel like Peterson?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Peterson also consider these

Emerson

American · son of Emery

American · Son of Peter

Enderson

American · Son of Andrew.

Kenderson

American · son of Kendra,

Common questions about the name Peterson

What does the name Peterson mean?

Peterson means "English" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Peterson?

Peterson is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Peterson?

Peterson originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Peterson?

Peterson is a three-syllable name pronounced P IY1 T ER0 S AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Peterson?

Peterson pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.