What does the surname Petersen mean?

The surname Petersen means "Son of Peter.". It is of Danish, Norwegian, German origin.

How common is the Petersen surname?

There are approximately 500,000 people with the surname Petersen in the United States.

Are there Petersen soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 121 soldiers with the Petersen surname appear in Civil War records.

Petersen

Patronymic

Meaning

Son of Peter.

Etymology

Scandinavian and German patronymic derived from the given name Peter with the suffix '-sen' or '-sen'. This naming convention became standardized in Northern Europe during the medieval period.

About the Petersen Surname

A common Scandinavian and German patronymic surname indicating descent from Peter. The name is widespread throughout Northern Europe and among diaspora communities.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 500,000 bearers in the United States #143 most common surname

Rare Common

Denmark, Norway, Germany, and Scandinavian-speaking regions.

Petersen Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Petersen Surname

C.O. Petersen

Rev.

Quick Facts

Origin: Danish, Norwegian, German
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: Medieval Scandinavia and Germany
Estimated Bearers: 500,000

War Records

121 soldiers with the Petersen surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →