Peterson

Peterson is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Peter,” derived from the given name Peter, which ultimately comes from the Greek Petros. It has several regional spellings, including Petersen, Petersson, Pettersson, and Pettersen, reflecting Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish naming traditions. The form Peterson is common in English-speaking countries and is often the result of anglicization of Nordic spellings.

Peterson is distributed widely in the United States and Canada, with roots tracing to immigrants from Nordic countries. The name is also found in Icelandic and other Northern European communities, where the corresponding forms are more prevalent. Beyond individuals, Peterson appears in geographic and institutional names, reflecting the influence of bearers of the surname in various locales and organizations.

Notable people bearing the surname include Jordan Peterson, a Canadian psychologist and author known for his writings on psychology, culture, and politics. The name is associated with a range of figures across fields such as academia, entertainment, sports, and public life, illustrating its broad adoption in Anglophone and Nordic-influenced societies.

See also Petersen, Peters, and Petersson for related spellings and disambiguation.