Peterson
English, Scottish, and German surname, from Peter + -son.
Every Peterson since 1950 — 819 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Peterson
Peterson is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #8,745 in 2025 with 9 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1950, 819 American babies have been named Peterson. Its peak came in 1989, when 28 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1980s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Peterson stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Peterson year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | #8,745 |
| 2024 | 9 | #8,812 |
| 2023 | 6 | #11,903 |
| 2022 | 11 | #7,619 |
| 2021 | 9 | #8,662 |
| 2020 | 9 | #8,560 |
| 2019 | 10 | #8,059 |
| 2018 | 7 | #10,464 |
| 2017 | 14 | #6,258 |
| 2016 | 12 | #7,034 |
| 2015 | 10 | #7,898 |
| 2014 | 10 | #7,978 |
| 2013 | 11 | #7,419 |
| 2012 | 14 | #6,224 |
| 2011 | 14 | #6,168 |
| 2010 | 12 | #6,990 |
| 2009 | 9 | #8,819 |
| 2008 | 9 | #8,834 |
| 2007 | 19 | #4,936 |
| 2006 | 12 | #6,799 |
| 2005 | 9 | #8,136 |
| 2004 | 17 | #4,955 |
| 2003 | 12 | #6,161 |
| 2002 | 11 | #6,411 |
| 2001 | 21 | #3,945 |
| 2000 | 24 | #3,505 |
| 1995 | 16 | #4,001 |
| 1990 | 18 | #3,426 |
| 1985 | 13 | #3,551 |
| 1980 | 12 | #3,561 |
| 1975 | — | — |
| 1970 | 6 | #4,595 |
| 1965 | 6 | #3,826 |
| 1960 | 5 | #4,458 |
| 1955 | 7 | #3,422 |
| 1950 | 5 | #4,068 |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | — | — |
| 1925 | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — |
| 1915 | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Peterson mean?
English, Scottish, and German surname, from Peter + -son.
How popular is the name Peterson in 2025?
Peterson ranked #8,745 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 9 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Peterson?
819 babies have been named Peterson in the United States since 1950, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Peterson most popular?
Peterson peaked in 1989, when 28 newborns received the name.
Is Peterson a boy or girl name?
Peterson is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Peterson rising or falling?
Peterson is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.