NomOrigine Background

Last Name Peteno

What is the origin of the last name Peteno?

The surname Pétén is primarily associated with Guatemala and has indigenous Mayan roots. Specifically, it is derived from the Maya word "Peten" which means "deep water" or "swampy place." This region was named Peten by the Spanish conquistadors when they arrived in Central America, and many families of Mayan descent have retained this surname since then. It's important to note that the origins of surnames can vary, but this is one of the known origins for the Pétén last name.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Peteno

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Peteno

The meaning and origin of the last name Peteno

The surname Pétén is primarily associated with Guatemala and originates from the region known as Petén, which is located in northern Guatemala and southern Mexico. This vast tropical lowland area was home to several ancient Maya civilizations, including Tikal and El Mirador, making it a significant historical site. The name "Petén" comes from the Mayan word "peten," meaning "place of trees." Over time, this geographical region's name evolved into a surname for people born or living in the area or those with ancestry from there. As Guatemala was colonized by Spain, many inhabitants took on Spanish surnames based on their place of origin, thus giving rise to the surname Pétén. Today, it remains a common surname within Guatemala and among Guatemalan diaspora communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Peteno

The surname Pétén is predominantly associated with Guatemala, originating from the department of El Petén, known for its extensive tropical rainforests and Mayan archaeological sites. It's one of the largest departments in the country and has historically been a significant area for Mayan civilization. The surname may be found more frequently among individuals of Mayan descent, particularly those with Quiché, Kaqchikel, or Mopán ethnic backgrounds. There are also occasional instances of the Pétén surname in neighboring countries such as Mexico and Belize, likely due to migration or historical connections between these regions and Guatemala. However, its prevalence outside of Guatemala is relatively low compared to its frequency within the country.

Variants and spellings of the last name Peteno

The surname Peteno has several variations and spellings, reflecting its diverse origins and potential pronunciation differences among different families. Some common variants include Petana, Petoño, Peton, Peto, Pitano, and Pietino. These variations may result from regional dialects, transcription errors, or intentional alterations over time. In some cases, these surnames might be derived from toponyms or occupational names, such as places named with the word "Pete" or "Peto," or professions related to animals like "peón" (peon) or "peto" (cocker). Despite these variations, they all share a common root and can be traced back to similar origins.

Famous people with the last name Peteno

The Petenos are a notable family with significant contributions across various fields. One of the most renowned figures is Belisario Petén (1867-1943), a Guatemalan archaeologist and explorer, who played a crucial role in the discovery and excavation of several important Maya cities, including Tikal and Palenque. Another notable figure is Juan José Petén (born 1952), a Guatemalan politician and former diplomat who served as the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2016 to 2018. In the realm of sports, Eduardo Petén (born 1974) is a professional tennis player from Spain. He has won several ATP Challenger Tour titles and reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 53 in 2004. Lastly, Rosa Amelia Petén (1895–1961), also known as Rosita Fornés y Petén, was a Guatemalan poet, journalist, and feminist activist who played an essential role in the women's suffrage movement in Guatemala during the early 20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Peteno

The Pétén family surname originates from Petén, a department in Guatemala, suggesting it may have roots in that region. Historically, the area was home to the Maya civilization, and the surname could potentially be of indigenous descent or have been adopted by Spanish settlers due to the region's association with the ancient Mayan culture.

Over time, various branches of the Pétén family dispersed, with some members migrating to other countries such as Mexico and the United States. Notable figures bearing the name include Juan José Arévalo Bermejo, a Guatemalan politician who served as the country's president from 1945-1951.

Research on the family lineage is ongoing, with genealogical databases documenting births, marriages, and deaths of Pétén descendants throughout history. Further studies into the origins and migrations of this surname may help provide a more comprehensive understanding of its historical development and evolution over time.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 27 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Petachinski (Last name)

surnames > petachinski

The last name "Petachinski" is of Polish origin and is likely derived from the place name "Pietrachin." This surname is believed to have originated as a locational surname, indicat...

Petalas (Last name)

surnames > petalas

The surname Petalas likely has Greek origins. In the Greek language, "petalas" translates to "petal" or "leaf." It is possible that the surname was derived from a location name, oc...

Petar (Last name)

surnames > petar

The surname Petar is of Croatian and Serbian origin. It is derived from the given name Petar, which is the equivalent of Peter in English. This name is ultimately of Greek origin a...

Pete (Last name)

surnames > pete

The surname "Pete" has multiple possible origins and variations. It can be of English, Irish, Scottish, or Welsh origin. 1. English: In English, "Pete" is a variant of the surnam...

Petean (Last name)

surnames > petean

The name "Petean" is of Romanian origin. It is possible that it comes from a toponym or an old Romanian name.

Peteers (Last name)

surnames > peteers

The surname "Peteers" is of English origin, derived from the given name Peter, which is a common Christian name meaning "rock" or "stone" in Greek. It was brought to England by the...

Petek (Last name)

surnames > petek

The surname Petek has roots in several Slavic-speaking regions, including Croatia and Slovakia. The name is derived from a given name, "Pete", which is a shortened form of various ...

Petelo (Last name)

surnames > petelo

The last name "Petelo" is of Samoan origin. It is a common surname in Samoa and is believed to have originated from the Samoan language. The name may have different meanings or int...

Petenon (Last name)

surnames > petenon

The surname "Petenon" is of French origin. It is believed to be a variant of the surname "Pétenon," which is a locational name derived from the place called "Pettonville" in Franc...

Peter baksh (Last name)

surnames > peter-baksh

The last name "Baksh" is of Indo-Aryan origin, specifically coming from the Indian subcontinent. It is a common surname among people of Indian descent.

Peter chege (Last name)

surnames > peter-chege

The last name "Chege" is of Kikuyu origin from Kenya. It is believed to be a common surname among the Kikuyu people, who are the largest ethnic group in Kenya.

Peter ndondi (Last name)

surnames > peter-ndondi

The last name Ndondi is of African origin, specifically from the Bantu languages. It is a surname commonly found in various countries in Africa, such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Camero...

Peter sebastian (Last name)

surnames > peter-sebastian

The last name "Peter Sebastian" is of English and German origin. "Peter" is a common given name of Greek origin meaning "rock" or "stone," while "Sebastian" is derived from the Lat...

Petera (Last name)

surnames > petera

The last name Petera likely has its origins in Eastern European countries such as Poland, Czech Republic, or Slovakia. It is derived from the given name Peter, which is a common Ch...

Petereit (Last name)

surnames > petereit

The surname Petereit is of German origin. It is derived from the given name Peter, which comes from the Greek name Petros meaning "rock" or "stone". The suffix "-eit" is a common G...