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Show ContentsPeterson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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Peterson is an ancient Pictish-Scottish name. It is derived from the personal name Peter. Peterson is a patronymic surname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. This particular surname was taken from the popular religious given name, Peter a shortened form of St. Peter. Other patronymic names were derived from the given name of an ancestor of the bearer, while still others came from the names of secular heroes.

Early Origins of the Peterson family

The surname Peterson was first found in Aberdeenshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Obar Dheathain), a historic county, and present day Council Area of Aberdeen, located in the Grampian region of northeastern Scotland. One of the first records of the family was found here: "Nigellus filius Petri, one of the burgenses rure manentes, Aberdeen, 1317." 1 The native home of the Clan Pheadirean (Patersons) was on the north side of Lochfyne where they were formerly numerous. The name is closely related to Paterson and the two spellings and many more have been used interchangeably over the years. By example, Donald Patyrson was admitted burgess of Aberdeen in 1494 and William Patrison and John Patonson, 'gentillmen,' were witnesses in Aberdeen in 1446. 1

Early History of the Peterson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Peterson research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1317, 1327, 1377, 1378, 1411 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Peterson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Peterson Spelling Variations

Translation has done much to alter the appearance of many Scottish names. It was a haphazard process that lacked a basic system of rules. Spelling variations were a common result of this process. Peterson has appeared Peterson, Petersone, Petterson, Piterson and others.

Early Notables of the Peterson family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was

  • Gerlac Peterssen (Petersen, Peterson, Gerlacus Petri) (1377 or 1378-1411), a Dutch mystic, entered the Institution of the Brethren of Common Life, and devoted his time to calligraphy, transcription of...
  • Robert Peterson (fl. 1600), was an English translator and member of Lincoln's Inn. 2

Peterson World Ranking

In the United States, the name Peterson is the 68th most popular surname with an estimated 266,109 people with that name. 3 However, in Canada, the name Peterson is ranked the 290th most popular surname with an estimated 14,960 people with that name. 4 And in Australia, the name Peterson is the 408th popular surname with an estimated 9,083 people with that name. 5 New Zealand ranks Peterson as 351st with 1,815 people. 6

Ireland Migration of the Peterson family to Ireland

Some of the Peterson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

United States Peterson migration to the United States +

Many Scots left their country to travel to the North American colonies in search of the freedom they could not find at home. Of those who survived the difficult voyage, many found the freedom they so desired. There they could choose their own beliefs and allegiances. Some became United Empire Loyalists and others fought in the American War of Independence. The Clan societies and highland games that have sprung up in the last century have allowed many of these disparate Scots to recover their collective national identity. A search of immigration and passenger ship lists revealed many early settlers bearing the Peterson name:

Peterson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Henry Peterson, who settled in Virginia in 1622
  • Henricke Peterson, who landed in Virginia in 1622 7
  • William Peterson, who settled in Virginia in 1638
  • Ann Peterson, who arrived in Virginia in 1638 7
  • Barnett Peterson, who landed in Virginia in 1650 7
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Peterson Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • James Peterson, who arrived in Virginia in 1700 7
  • Cerveses Peterson, who landed in Virginia in 1702 7
  • Bernard Peterson, who arrived in Virginia in 1703 7
  • Cornelius Peterson, who arrived in Virginia in 1704 7
  • Kirstin Peterson, who arrived in New York in 1738 7
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Peterson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Hans C Peterson, who landed in Charleston, South Carolina in 1828 7
  • Gumull Peterson, aged 40, who landed in New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1831 7
  • Gustavus H Peterson, who landed in New Orleans, La in 1837 7
  • Gustoff Peterson, who arrived in New Orleans, La in 1837 7
  • Jacob Peterson, who landed in Baltimore, Maryland in 1837 7
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Peterson Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Axel Peterson, who landed in Arkansas in 1905 7
  • Antion Peterson, who landed in Mississippi in 1905 7
  • Gustave Peterson, who arrived in Arkansas in 1906 7
  • Fred Emil Peterson, who arrived in Wisconsin in 1908 7
  • Louis Peterson, who landed in Wisconsin in 1910 7
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Canada Peterson migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Peterson Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Mr. C. John Peterson U.E. who settled in Parr Town, Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1784 8
  • Mr. John Peterson U.E. who settled in Parr Town, Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1784 8
  • Mr. Nicholas Peterson U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 8
  • Mr. Nicholas Peterson U.E., (Claas) who settled in Canada c. 1784 8
  • Mr. Nicholas Peterson U.E. who settled in Adolphus Town [Adolphustown], Ontario c. 1784 8
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Peterson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Julius S Peterson, who arrived in Quebec in 1867

Australia Peterson migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Peterson Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. John Peterson, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Elizabeth" in May 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 9
  • Mr. Andrew Peterson who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Circassian" on 4th November 1832, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 10
  • Charlotte Peterson, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Ganges" in 1839 11
  • Peter Wilhelm Peterson, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Prince Regent" in 1839 12
  • Margaret Peterson, aged 25, a domestic servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1858 aboard the ship "Frenchman"

New Zealand Peterson migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Peterson Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Andrew Peterson, aged 24, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Westminster" in 1843
  • Elizabeth Peterson, aged 25, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Westminster" in 1843
  • Sophia Peterson, aged 44, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Forfarshire" in 1873 13
  • Maria Peterson, aged 16, a servant, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Forfarshire" in 1873 13
  • Hans J. Peterson, aged 40, a farm labourer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Rakaia" in 1878
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Peterson (post 1700) +

  • Fred Ingels Peterson (1942-2024), American professional baseball pitcher
  • Edwin J. Peterson (1930-2023), American jurist in the state of Oregon, 39th Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court serving from 1983 to 1991
  • Margaret Ann "Maggie" Peterson (1941-2022), American actress and singer, best known for playing Charlene Darling on The Andy Griffith Show
  • Ralph Peterson Jr. (1962-2021), American jazz drummer and bandleader
  • Judge Kenneth "Luck" Peterson (1964-2020), American musician who played contemporary blues, fusing soul, R&B, gospel and rock and roll
  • Eugene Hoiland Peterson (1932-2018), American-born Gold Medallion Book Award winning clergyman, scholar, author, and poet
  • Colonel Donald Herod Peterson (1923-2018), United States Air Force officer and a former NASA astronaut with over 5 days in space 14
  • Peter George Peterson (1926-2018), born Peter Petropoulos, American businessman, investment banker, philanthropist, and author, 20th United States Secretary of Commerce (1972-1973), CEO of Lehman Brothers; according to Forbes, he had a net worth of $2.8 billion
  • Douglas Blair Peterson (1945-2017), American yacht designer of the winning 1992 America3 and 1995 NZL 32 Black Magic Team New Zealand design teams
  • Tom Peterson (1930-2016), American retailer, pitchman, and television personality from Portland, Oregon
  • ... (Another 296 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. William Victor Peterson (d. 1914), British Carpenter from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 15
  • Mr. G. Peterson (d. 1914), Swedish Third Class Passenger from Gothenburg, Sweden who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 15
Halifax Explosion
  • Mr. Andrew  Peterson (1894-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 16
  • Mr. Gustav  Peterson (1894-1917), Norwegian Boatswain aboard the SS Imo from Throndheim, Norway who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 16
HMAS Sydney II
  • Mr. James Edward Peterson (1907-1941), Australian Gunner (T) from Thornbury, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 17
  • Mr. Peter William Peterson (1917-1941), Australian Stoker from Ellenbank, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 17
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. Peterson, British Ordinary Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 18
SS Atlantic
  • R. R. Peterson, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, survived the sinking
St. Francis Dam
  • Mr. Harold Norman Peterson, American resident in Santa Clarita killed when the St. Francis Dam failed and flooded the area in 1928
  • Mr. Carl Victor Peterson, American resident in Santa Clarita killed when the St. Francis Dam failed and flooded the area in 1928
USS Arizona
  • Mr. Elroy Vernon Peterson, American Fire Controlman Second Class from California, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 19
  • Mr. Hardy Wilbur Peterson, American Fire Controlman Third Class from Washington, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 19
  • Mr. Roscoe Earl Peterson, American Seaman Second Class from California, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 19
  • Mr. Albert H. Peterson Jr., American Fire Controlman Third Class from New Jersey, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 19

The Peterson Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Nihil sine Deo
Motto Translation: Nothing without God.

Suggested Readings for the name Peterson +

  • From Norway to North America: the Descendants in Canada and the United Stated of Olaf and Caroline Pederson who came from Norway about 1867 to Manitoba and North Dakota by Jean E. Peterson.
  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  2. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  3. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  4. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  5. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  6. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  7. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  8. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  9. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 1st March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
  10. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 8th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/circassian
  11. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) GANGES 1839. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1839Ganges.gif
  12. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) PRINCE REGENT 1839. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1839PrinceRegent.htm
  13. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 6th November 2011). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  14. NASA Astronauts Homepage. (Retrieved 2010, September 27) Donald Peterson. Retrieved from http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/peterson-dh.html
  15. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  16. Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
  17. HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
  18. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  19. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html
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