Pettersen

Pettersen is a Norwegian surname derived from the given name Petter (Peter) combined with the patronymic suffix -sen, meaning "son of Petter." This form reflects Norwegian spelling conventions, where -sen is a common suffix for inherited family names. Related forms in the broader Scandinavian and Anglophone world include Pettersson (Swedish), Petersen (Danish and Norwegian), Pedersen, and Peterson.

In Norway, Pettersen is found across the population, with variations in regional concentration reflecting historical naming practices. The transition from purely patronymic usage to fixed family surnames occurred mainly in the 19th century and continued into the early 20th century, after which Pettersen became a hereditary surname. The name spread abroad through emigration, particularly to North America, where it appears in spellings such as Pettersen, Petersen, or Peterson.

Notable bearers of the surname come from a range of fields, including politics, science, and culture, illustrating its broad distribution among Norwegian-speaking communities. The name is also present in other Scandinavian countries, often with regional spelling variants.

For genealogical research, Pettersen may be found in civil registers, church records, and censuses. When tracing lineage, it is helpful to consider related surnames such as Pedersen and Petersen, as well as Swedish Pettersson or English Peterson, due to their shared etymology.