What does Petter mean and where does it come from?
Petter is a Scandinavian variant of Peter, which originates from the Greek word 'petros' meaning rock or stone. The name has been popular in Sweden, Norway, and Finland since the Christianization of Scandinavia in the Middle Ages. It is frequently used in these cultures, and notable figures with thi
Cultural significance
Petter has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Sweden-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rock, stone.
Peak popularity
Reached #3715 in 1918 — currently #13553 in the US.
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Related Reading
Sweden-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Petter?
Petter works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Petter Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Petter Rose
Floral · soft ending
Petter Mae
Sweet · timeless
Petter Claire
French influence · crisp
Petter Jane
Literary · strong
Petter Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Petter right now?
Falling — down 3711 spots — currently #13553 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2020 | #12081 | 5 | ▼ down 3711 |
| 1990 | #8370 | 5 | — |
The story of Petter
Petter entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 60 total births recorded, Petter remains relatively uncommon.
Names that peaked alongside Petter in 1918:
Petter by decade
Petter peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 7 | |
| 1920s | 10 | |
| 1970s | 6 | |
| 1990s | 15 | |
| 2000s ★ | 17 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Petter has only 60 total recorded births since 1918 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Petter?
What names sound and feel like Petter?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Petter also consider these
How is Petter written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Petter?
Common questions about the name Petter
What does the name Petter mean?
Petter means "Rock, stone" — a name rooted in Sweden 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 Petter?
Petter is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Petter?
Petter originates from Sweden tradition. Sweden names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Petter a common or rare name?
Petter is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Petter?
Petter naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.