Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.

First name (Optional)

Middle name (Optional)

Last name* (Required)

Advanced Search Options

Exact match

(Show only records that exactly match the information entered.)

Birth year (Optional)

Death year (Optional)

Birth location (Optional)

Death location (Optional)

Peter Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Peter Surname

Peter is both a surname and a masculine given name, originating from the Latin "petra" and the Greek "petros," meaning "stone" or "rock." This connection to solid, enduring materials reflects a name with deep historical roots. Over the centuries, the Peter surname has been associated with a sense of strength and resilience, making it a fascinating subject for those exploring their family history.

The Peter surname first emerged in England during the 12th century and became firmly established over the subsequent centuries. By the 15th century, the name had also gained a foothold in Germany, illustrating its spread through Europe. This geographical expansion highlights the dynamic nature of the Peter family tree, as it adapted and grew across different cultures and regions.

YourRoots dataset insights confirm the early presence of the Peter surname in England, dating back to the 12th century. This aligns with historical records, underscoring the surname's longstanding roots in the British Isles. The YourRoots data further enriches our understanding by tracing the migration and expansion of the Peter family into central Europe and later into the United States during the 17th century.

Today, Peter genealogy records reflect a widespread global presence, particularly in the United States. The YourRoots data offers valuable insights for researchers delving into the Peter family tree, providing a comprehensive view of the surname's enduring legacy and its journey through history.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Peter Family Tree

Search more Peter trees & genealogy records

Records

Search more trees & records for
Peter for free

SIGNUP

Tracing Your Peter Family Lineage

Origin of the Peter Family: Where does the Peter surname come from?

The earliest known appearance of the Peter surname is traced back to England during the 12th century, marking a significant moment in the genealogy of families bearing this name. This connection to England serves as the foundation for many family trees that would branch out over the centuries, establishing the Peter surname as a notable lineage. As families began to grow and spread, they carried this surname with them, linking descendants to their ancestral roots in the British Isles.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Peter

Throughout the subsequent centuries, the Peter family saw notable expansion, particularly in England where the surname remained most prevalent. By the 13th century, the Peter family lines began to flourish, with records indicating growth in various regions of England, showcasing the family's ability to adapt and thrive in new environments. As families settled and established their homes, they laid the groundwork for future generations, creating branches in their family trees that would continue to flourish.

During the 15th century, the Peter surname began to appear more frequently in Germany, highlighting the migration and spread of the family beyond its initial English roots. This period marked a diversification of the Peter lineage as families established connections in central Europe, enriching the genealogy of the surname with new branches and stories. Over time, these developments contributed to the rich tapestry of the Peter family history, illustrating their resilience and adaptability.

Tracing the Peter Family Tree Through the Centuries

As the centuries unfolded, the Peter surname expanded significantly across various regions, particularly during the 17th century when many families migrated to the United States. The establishment of the surname in America marked a pivotal moment in its evolution, with records indicating a substantial increase in the Peter family presence. This migration laid the foundation for a robust American lineage that continued to grow and flourish in the following centuries.

In the 18th century, the Peter surname reached new heights in the United States, reflecting the broader patterns of immigration and settlement during this period. The continued growth into the 19th century solidified the Peter family’s prominence, as branches of the family tree spread not only within the U.S. but also throughout other regions as descendants sought new opportunities. This global spread of the surname speaks to the enduring legacy of the Peter family, whose roots continue to connect back to their origins in England.

Where to Find Peter Genealogy Records Today

In modern times, the Peter surname is found across various regions around the world, particularly in the United States where it has established a strong presence. The growth of the surname in the 20th and 21st centuries reflects ongoing family connections and the continued exploration of genealogical roots. Readers are encouraged to explore the

Famous People with Peter (and Their Family Tree)

Samuel Peter

Samuel Okon Peter, born September 6, 1980, is a renowned Nigerian professional boxer known for his significant achievements in the heavyweight division. He captured the WBC heavyweight title in 2008 by defeating Oleg Maskaev and is celebrated for his fierce rivalry with the Klitschko brothers. Ranked among the top ten heavyweights by The Ring magazine from 2005 to 2008, Peter achieved his highest rank as world No.2 in 2007. With a remarkable 78.9% knockout-to-win ratio, his power in the ring was evident throughout his career. Peter's accolades include being named one of the 20 greatest athletes in Nigeria's history, highlighting his influence in the sport.

Daniel Peter

Daniel Peter, a pioneering Swiss chocolatier, is celebrated for inventing milk chocolate by adding powdered milk to chocolate in 1875-76. He founded Peter's Chocolate and played a crucial role in the confectionery industry by collaborating with Henri Nestlé, leading to the formation of the Nestlé Company. His innovative work resulted in the creation of the Gala Peter and Delta Peter brands, securing Switzerland's dominance in the global chocolate market. His products, known for their unique packaging and formula, became highly esteemed, inspiring attempts at replication by competitors.

Born on 9 March 1836 in Moudon, Vaud, Daniel Peter was the son of Jean Samuel Peter, a butcher, and Jeanne-Louise Laurent, descending from a family of Alsatian origin. He married Fanny-Louise Cailler, linking him to another notable chocolatier, François-Louis Cailler.

Mary of Saint Peter

Mary of Saint Peter, born Perrine Éluère, was a Discalced Carmelite nun renowned for initiating the Holy Face of Jesus devotion and penning "The Golden Arrow" prayer. Her religious journey began when she entered the Carmelite Monastery of Tours, France, in 1839, where she became Sister Mary of Saint Peter and of the Holy Family. In 1843, she reportedly experienced interior communications from Jesus, leading to the creation of a prayer of reparation against blasphemy and profanation. Her devotion was eventually approved by the Catholic Church, significantly impacting Catholic practices globally.

Mary of Saint Peter was born on October 4, 1816, in Rennes, Brittany, to Peter and Frances Portier Éluère. After her mother’s death, she lived with her paternal aunts to learn dressmaking.

Babett Peter

Babett Peter, a former German professional footballer, is renowned for her illustrious career as a defender. She played for top clubs like Real Madrid CF and VfL Wolfsburg, winning multiple Bundesliga titles and DFB-Pokal Frauen cups. Internationally, Peter was part of Germany's squads that won the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics gold medal. She now serves as the assistant general manager for the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women's Soccer League, continuing her influence in soccer beyond her playing days.

Friedrich Peter

Friedrich Peter was a prominent Austrian politician known for leading the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) from 1958 to 1978. He was active in the FPÖ's efforts to reshape its image as a potential coalition partner, notably supporting Bruno Kreisky's minority government. Despite his political achievements, Peter's past as an SS-Obersturmführer in the Waffen-SS during World War II sparked controversy, especially following Simon Wiesenthal's report on his involvement in Nazi activities. This historical context, along with Peter's strained relationship with Jörg Haider, significantly impacted his political legacy.

Friedrich Peter was born in Attnang-Puchheim, Upper Austria, to a social democratic engine driver and a master baker's daughter, reflecting his roots in a working-class family.

Peter Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Peter" is derived from the Greek word "petros," meaning "stone" or "rock," and was adopted into Latin as "petra." It is also a common masculine given name.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Peter

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Peter family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Peter surname to learn more.