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Last Name Peters

What is the origin of the last name Peters?

The surname "Peters" has Germanic origins, derived from the given name Peter. It is a patronymic, meaning it was originally used to denote the son of a man named Peter. The given name Peter comes from the Greek 'Petros' which means 'rock'. This name was popular in medieval Europe due to Saint Peter, one of the 12 apostles. It spread across Europe and eventually reached England, where it was Anglicized to its current form, Peters.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Peters

The meaning and origin of the last name Peters

The surname "Peters" is of Germanic origin, derived from the given name Peter, which is a variant of the Greek name Petros, meaning "rock." This surname was brought to England by the Normans following the Conquest in 1066 and eventually spread throughout Europe. In the Middle Ages, it was common for people to take their occupation as their surname, but in the case of Peters, its origin is primarily patronymic, meaning it indicates the son of a man named Peter. The spelling can vary across regions and time periods; some other forms include Pieters (Dutch), Pedersen (Scandinavian), or Petraki (Greek). Today, Peters is a common surname in many parts of Europe and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Peters

The surname Peters is widely distributed across various regions globally due to its Germanic origins. In Europe, it is most prevalent in Germany, where it ranks among the top 50 most common surnames, and in neighboring countries like Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark. It also has a significant presence in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In North America, the name Peters is predominantly found in the United States and Canada, particularly among descendants of German immigrants. The name can also be found in Australia and New Zealand, due to European immigration during colonial times. In South America, it's common in Brazil, where it was brought by German settlers. However, its distribution varies widely across the globe, reflecting historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Peters

The surname Peters has several variations and spellings, both in English and other languages. Some common spelling variants include Peterson, Pietersen, Peeters, and Pieterse. In Dutch, the name can be pronounced as "Pee-ters" or "Pie-ters." In German, it's often pronounced as "Peet-zers," with the emphasis on the second syllable. In Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, the name is typically written as Petersson. The Scottish variant is Peterson or McPheaters, while in Welsh it might be abbreviated to Peate or Peater. Other less common variations include Pedersen (Danish), Pedrazzini (Italian), Pedraza (Spanish) and Peetar (Hungarian). These spellings reflect the diversity of the name Peters across different cultures and languages.

Famous people with the last name Peters

Peter is a widely recognized surname, boasting numerous significant figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Peter the Great, Tsar of Russia from 1682 to 1725, known for modernizing and Westernizing the Russian Empire. In the realm of literature, Peter Ackroyd, a British novelist and historian, has made substantial contributions with works such as "Hawksmoor" and "Chaucer's Canterbury Tales". The world of science is enriched by Freeman Dyson, a physicist and mathematician, renowned for his work in astrophysics and quantum field theory. In the realm of entertainment, Michael Jackson, commonly known as the "King of Pop", left an indelible mark on music with hits like "Thriller" and "Beat It". Lastly, Petra Petersson, a Swedish actress, gained international recognition for her role in the film "Fanny and Alexander". These individuals represent a diverse range of accomplishments under the shared surname of Peters.

Genealogical research on the last name Peters

The surname Peters is of Germanic origin, derived from the personal name Petrus, which is Latin for rock or stone. It has been widely distributed across Europe, with significant populations in Germany, England, and France. In Germany, the name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it was common among peasants and craftsmen. The name later spread to England during the Norman Conquest, where it became popular among Normans who settled there. In England, the spelling variations of Peters include Petter, Peeters, and Pieters. The name also has Dutch origins, with variants such as Pietersen or De Jongh (from Jan Peters). In Scotland, the name can be found among Scottish Gaelic speakers who adopted it from English settlers. The earliest recorded occurrence of the surname Peters is believed to be in the 12th century in Germany. Throughout history, notable individuals bearing the surname Peters include Matthias Peters, a German astronomer and geographer, and Walter C. Peters, an American chemist who made significant contributions to the field of medicine.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 11 June 2025

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