FindSurname

peterson

#77 in the US265,150 people

Quick Insights

  • One of the 100 most prevalent family identifiers.
  • Shared by approximately 1 in every 1,256 individuals.
  • Heavily concentrated among White Americans (81.9%).
  • Occurs roughly 88.71 times per 100,000 individuals.

About the surname

With a massive nationwide presence, Peterson is a cornerstone surname in modern American society. According to the most recent data, 265,150 people in America carry this family name. In terms of sheer numbers, this demographic represents a population larger than many well-known US suburbs. Mathematically speaking, approximately 1 in 1,256 people across the United States are named Peterson. Demographically, the White population dominates this surname by a wide margin, outnumbering the second-largest group (Black or African American, 9.7%) by over 72 percentage points.

Demographic Distribution

Demographic Distribution

White81.9%
Black9.7%
Two or More3.5%
Hispanic3.4%
Asian0.8%
Native American0.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the last name Peterson common in the United States?

The official headcount for the Peterson surname stands at 265,150 bearers nationwide.

What ethnicity is the surname Peterson?

Statistically, 81.9% of people with the last name Peterson identify as White.

What are the chances of meeting someone named Peterson?

It has a statistical prevalence of approximately 1 in 1,256 residents across the United States.

Where is Peterson placed in the official list of American surnames?

It is firmly established in the top tier, positioned at #77 in the official American surname index.