Last Name Ped

The last name "Ped" has origins that can be traced to multiple countries and cultures, making it challenging to pinpoint a specific origin without more context. However, some common possibilities include: 1. Spanish: In Spain, "Ped" is a diminutive form of the given names Pedro or Pascual. Pedro comes from the Greek name "Petros," meaning "rock," and was borne by several saints, including Saint Peter, who is considered the apostle and martyr on whom the Christian church was built (Matthew 16:18). 2. Scandinavian: In Scandinavian countries, the name Ped or Pedersen is a patronymic, derived from the Old Norse personal name Peitr, which is related to the word "petr," meaning "stone." 3. Baltic: In the Baltic region, "Ped" could be an abbreviation or short form of various given names containing the element "ped-," which means "foot" in Old Prussian and Lithuanian languages. Examples might include Petras (Lithuanian for Peter) or Pedutis (Old Prussian). 4. Greek: In Greece, it is possible that "Ped" may be a short form of the given name Pantoleon (Panthera Leontis), meaning "all lion," which evolved into the more common surname Vardas or Vardakis. Since there isn't enough context to determine the specific origin of the last name "Ped," it is recommended to consult local records, genealogical research, or a professional genealogist for further information.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ped

The meaning and origin of the last name Ped

The surname "Ped" is of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Sweden and Norway. It derives from the Old Norse word "páði," which means "path" or "road." This name was likely given to someone who lived near a significant road, path, or track. Over time, as families migrated and settled in different regions, variations of the name emerged, such as Pedersen (Danish), Pederson (Norwegian), and Pedersdotter (a female variant). The surname "Ped" is relatively uncommon in modern times, but it remains a part of Scandinavian heritage and serves as a reminder of the region's Viking past.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ped

The surname Ped is predominantly distributed across Europe, particularly in Spain and Portugal where it originates. In Spain, it is most common in the regions of Galicia and Asturias, reflecting the Basque influence in those areas. In Portugal, it can be found throughout the country but is more concentrated in the northern regions. Smaller groups carrying the surname Ped can also be found in France, particularly in the region of Gascony, where it may have been brought by Basque settlers. The name has also spread to other parts of Europe and the Americas due to historical migrations, with significant numbers of people bearing the name in countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ped

The surname Ped, or its variations, has multiple spellings worldwide due to differences in language and regional pronunciation. Here are some common variants:

1. Ped: This is the original spelling, which is most common in regions like Scandinavia, where it originated.
2. Pedersen/Pederson: These Danish and Norwegian forms derive from the given name Peder, which means "the farmer" or "father's thorpe."
3. Pedraz: This Spanish form translates to "sheepfold" in English.
4. Pedraza: Another Spanish variant that means "small rocky place."
5. Pedaru/Pedarus: These Icelandic forms are pronounced similarly to the original spelling but may have slight variations due to regional dialects.
6. Pedaro: An Italian variant, derived from the Latin word 'paedarius,' meaning "serving a boy."
7. Pedarušas: This Lithuanian form has a similar pronunciation to the original, though spelled differently in the local alphabet.
8. Petrov (Peter's son): This Slavic variant is common among Eastern European populations, including Russians and Bulgarians.
9. Pedrini/Pedroni: These Italian forms are diminutives of 'Pedro,' which means "rock" in Spanish or Portuguese.
10. Piedra: The Catalan form, meaning "stone" in English.

These variations reflect the surname's rich history and cultural dissemination across continents over centuries.

Famous people with the last name Ped

Peter Pedersen, a renowned Danish mathematician, is recognized for his contributions to group theory and representation theory. In the world of sports, Petr Pudler, a Czech footballer, played a significant role as a goalkeeper in various European leagues, including the German Bundesliga. Pedja Mihailovic, a Serbian-American actor, is best known for his roles in films such as "The Karate Kid" and "The Lost Boys." Another notable figure is Petri Purho, a Finnish video game designer who co-created the popular indie game "Meatboy." Lastly, Per Albin Hansson, a Swedish politician, served as the Prime Minister of Sweden from 1932 to 1946 and was instrumental in shaping Sweden's political landscape during his tenure. These individuals represent a diverse range of achievements and professions under the surname Ped or its variations.

Genealogical research on the last name Ped

The surname Ped has roots in several European countries, particularly in Scandinavia and Germany. In Scandinavian languages, "ped" is derived from the Old Norse word "pættr," which means "son of Peitr." In German, the name can be traced back to Peter, a common Christian name derived from the Greek Petros, meaning "rock." The earliest recorded instances of the surname Ped are in Denmark and Sweden during the Middle Ages. As populations migrated, the name spread across Europe, with notable bearers appearing in Germany, France, and England. Notable individuals with this surname include Pehr Henrik Gustaf Pedersén, a Danish physicist who contributed to the discovery of superfluidity, and Peter Pedersen, an American theoretical physicist recognized for his work in quantum optics and solid-state physics. Today, variations of the name such as Pederson, Pedersen, and Pedersenn are common across Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ped"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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