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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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Peterson Rose
Floral · soft ending
Peterson Mae
Sweet · timeless
Peterson Claire
French influence · crisp
Peterson Jane
Literary · strong
Peterson Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Peterson right now?
Falling — down 4278 spots — currently #11894 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Peterson by decade
| 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?
What names sound and feel like Peterson?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Peterson also consider these
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.