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Last Name Peterman

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What is the origin of the last name Peterman?

The surname Peterman is of German origin, derived from various place names with the elements "Pete" (stone) or "Petra" (rock) and "mann" (man). Examples of these places include Petten, near Cologne, and Petraman, in the Rhineland-Palatinate region. The name was likely brought to other countries through migration, particularly to North America by German settlers.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Peterman

The surname Peterman is of German and English origin. It is derived from the given name Peter, which is a common name of Greek origin, meaning "rock" or "stone." In Germany, the surname was originally spelled as Pietermann, Petermann, or Pietersmann, while in England it evolved to variations such as Pitman and Peterman. The name Peterman may have been occupational for a stone mason or a nickname for someone thought to be strong and sturdy like a rock, similar to the given name Peter. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have varied depending on geographical location and migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Peterman

The surname Peterman is predominantly found in Northern Europe, particularly in countries like Norway and Sweden, due to its Scandinavian origins. It is also common in Germany, where it may have evolved from the Germanic personal name Peiter or Pieter, a diminutive form of Peter. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Peterman have migrated and settled in various parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, the highest concentrations of the last name Peterman are found in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa, which were once heavily populated by Scandinavian immigrants. The surname can also be found in Canada, where it shares a similar distribution pattern with its U.S. counterpart due to historical migration patterns between the two countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Peterman

The surname Peterman has several variations and spelling alternatives, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors over time, and individual preference. Some of these variants include Petermann, Peiterman, Pieterman, Pytterman, and possibly others. These variations may also appear with different diacritical marks depending on the language or origin, such as Péterman, Péiterman, or Pietermaan. It is important to note that these variants are not necessarily indicative of distinct familial lines, but rather represent alterations in the spelling and pronunciation of the same original name over time.

Famous people with the last name Peterman

Notable individuals with the surname Peterman include:

1. Joan Peterman - An American artist known for her colorful, whimsical style and her work as a children's book illustrator. She is also the creator of the popular "Miss Spider" character.

2. James Peterman - A prominent fashion designer and founder of the clothing company The Army Surplus Store, which became famous due to its unique military-inspired clothing styles.

3. Paul Peterman - A Canadian actor, best known for his role as Detective Peter Welland on the television series Intelligence (2006). He has also appeared in films such as The Chronicles of Riddick and White Noise: The Light.

4. Tara Peterman - A professional basketball player who currently plays for the Minnesota Lynx in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft.

Genealogical research on the last name Peterman

The surname Peterman originates from Germany and is derived from the Middle High German "peter" meaning rock or stone, and "mann," meaning man. This indicates an original occupational name for a worker who specialized in rocks or quarrying. The surname spread to England during medieval times due to the Norman Conquest of 1066. From England, it migrated to North America with various waves of immigration, primarily to New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. Notable figures with this surname include Samuel Peterman, a U.S. Representative from Wisconsin in the late 19th century, and Clarence Peterman, an American composer who was active during the early 20th century. The variation of the name Peterman is also found, particularly in Scandinavian countries, where it has a similar meaning.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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