petter

Petter is a masculine given name, a Scandinavian form of Peter. It derives from the Greek name Petros, meaning "rock" or "stone." The form is common in Norwegian and Swedish contexts and is also found in Denmark and among Finnish-Swedish communities.

The name has been widely used in Norway and Sweden and is encountered across the Nordic region. In many cases, Petter is chosen for its traditional, culturally resonant sound within Christian naming traditions.

Notable people named Petter include Petter Solberg (born 1974), a Norwegian rally driver and 2003 World Rally Champion; Petter Northug (born 1986), a Norwegian cross-country skier with multiple Olympic titles; and Petter Stordalen (born 1962), a Norwegian businessman and founder of the Strawberry hotel group. These individuals illustrate the name’s continued usage in contemporary Nordic society.

Related forms include Peter in English, with Petter functioning as a regional variant in Scandinavia. The name’s popularity reflects historical linguistic and cultural ties across Nordic cultures and broader Christian naming practices.