The Peters Family History

What Does the Peters Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Peters is of Scottish, English, Dutch, and German origin and derives from the personal name Peter. This name is rooted in the Greek words ‘petros’ and ‘petra,’ which translate to 'stone' or 'rock. ' The suffix ‘s’ in Peters signifies lineage, indicating ‘the son of Peter.’ Variations of the surname include Peter, Petre, Petry, and Peterson, while the Dutch and German equivalent is rendered as ‘Pieters.’ In Scotland, families bearing the surname Peters predominantly reside in the central and southern regions, with a significant presence in Angus and Lanarkshire counties. Additionally, the southern Welsh county of Glamorgan is home to numerous Peters families. The surname is believed to have originated in the English counties of Lincolnshire and Hertfordshire. Currently, it is most densely populated in London and its southern suburbs, as well as in Lancashire, where a substantial number of individuals with the surname can be found. During the late 19th century, many Peters families emigrated to Australia and Canada. In the United States, the surname is prevalent in states such as Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, Minnesota, Michigan, California, and Texas. Notable individuals with the surname Peters include Bernadette Peters, a renowned actress and singer; Mike Peters, a Welsh musician; Alan Peters, a distinguished English furniture designer; George Henry Peters, an accomplished astronomer; Jon Peters, a prominent film producer; Ray Peters, a professional baseball player; Richard Peters, the founder of Atlanta, Georgia; Volney Peters, a professional football player from the early 20th century; Russell Peters, a Canadian comedian; and Nancy Peters, an author and publisher.