Peter History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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Etymology of Peter

What does the name Peter mean?

The distinguished surname Peter emerged among the industrious people of Flanders, which was an important trading partner and political ally of Britain during the Middle Ages. As a result of the frequent commercial intercourse between the Flemish and English nations, many Flemish migrants settled in Britain. In early times, people were known by only a single name. However, as the population grew and people traveled further afield, it became increasingly necessary to assume an additional name to differentiate between bearers of the same personal name. One of the most common classes of surname is the patronymic surname, which was usually derived from the first name of the person's father. Flemish surnames of this type are often characterized by the diminutive suffix -kin, which became very frequent in England during the 14th century. The surname Peter is derived from the personal name Peter. This is derived from the Latin name Petrus, which in turn comes from the Greek name Petros. The word petros means rock or stone. Peter was an extremely popular personal name in medieval Europe since it was the name conferred by Christ upon the apostle Simon bar Jonah. He became St. Peter and is regarded as the founding figure of the Christian Church.

One of the first records of the name was perhaps the most important, that of Peter (died 1085), Bishop of Lichfield, Chaplain of William I, and custodian of the see of Lincoln in 1066. "In 1076 Peter was sent by Lanfranc to assist the archbishop of York in certain consecrations (Anglo-Saxon Chronicles) In 1085 he died, and was buried at Chester, being the only bishop of the earlier foundation who was buried there." 1

Peter of Blois (fl. 1190) was Archdeacon of Bath and a noted author. He was born at Blois, France but his family was one of the noble families of Brittany.

Early Origins of the Peter family

The surname Peter was first found in Lincolnshire, where a bearer of Petrus was on record in the Domesday Book of 1086. Interestingly, Petrus (died 606) was the first abbot of St. Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury, and was both a monk and a priest. He was one of the companions of St. Augustine on his mission to England in 596. 1

Geoffrey FitzPeter, Earl of Essex (d. 1213), younger brother of Simon Fitzpeter, Sheriff of Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, and Bedfordshire in the reign of Henry II, was Marshal in 1165, and Justice-Itinerant in Bedfordshire in 1163. 1

Peter des Roches (died 1238) was Bishop of Winchester who served under Richard I in his wars as knight and clerk, and became one of his chamberlains. A native of Poitou, France, he later served King John and was embroiled in the king's conflicts with Innocent III. 1

Other early records include Ralph Peter listed in the Pipe Rolls in Hertfordshire in 1195; Luke Petre listed in London in 1282 and a William Petres listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Somerset of 1327. 2

Another branch of the family was established in early days at West Horndon in Essex. "This parish, in ancient documents called Thorndon, and Little Horndon, is remarkable for the splendid mansion of Lord Petre, named Thorndon Hall, which is beautifully situated on an eminence, surrounded by an extensive and richly wooded park." 3

And early records of Padstow, Cornwall listed "the barton of Trenear or Trenarran, was for some time a seat of the family of Peter, whose ancestors, about two hundred years since, came into Cornwall and first settled here; from whence they afterwards removed to Treator; and from thence the elder branch settled at Harlyn, on marrying with the heiress of Michel of that place. Treator has been the abode of this family nearly from the time that they first settled in Cornwall." 4

"In later years Tor Brian [Devon] became the cradle of the noble house of Petre. Tor Newton was the birthplace of the celebrated Sir William Petre, the most eminent of a distinguished band of brothers. First brought to Court by Cromwell, he speedily became a favourite with Henry VIII., and was one of the visitors of the religious houses. The wealth thus acquired he had wit enough to keep, obtaining under Mary, from Pope Paul IV., a confirmation of the grants of Church property made by Henry. One of the means used to this end was the promise to employ the money in a way the Church would approve ; and one of the ways adopted by him was the foundation of eight fellowships at Exeter College." 5

Early History of the Peter family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Peter research. Another 205 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1224, 1505, 1549, 1572, 1575, 1582, 1592, 1594, 1598, 1599, 1602, 1603, 1613, 1617, 1622, 1626, 1631, 1633, 1637, 1638, 1643, 1645, 1654, 1660, 1662, 1672, 1677, 1684, 1688, 1689, 1690, 1695, 1699, 1706, 1713, 1746, 1758, 1774 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Peter History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Peter Spelling Variations

Flemish surnames are characterized by a large number of spelling variations. One reason for this is that medieval English lacked definite spelling rules. The spellings of surnames were also influenced by the official court languages, which were French and Latin. Names were rarely spelled consistently in medieval times. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to specific spelling rules, and people often had their names registered in several different forms throughout their lives. One of the greatest reasons for change is the linguistic uniqueness of the Flemish settlers in England, who spoke a language closely related to Dutch. The pronunciation and spelling of Flemish names were often altered to suit the tastes of English-speaking people. In many cases, the first, final, or middle syllables of surnames were eliminated. The name has been spelled Peters, Peter, Petre, Petry, FitzPeter and others.

Early Notables of the Peter family

Distinguished members of the family include

John Petre, 1st Baron Petre (1549-1613), Lord-Lieutenant of Essex; Gerard Peeters (fl. 1582-1592), an English author, educated at Westminster School, elected scholar of Trinity College, Cambridge; Hug...
Charles Peters (1695-1746), was an English physician from London; Charles Peters (1690-1774), was a Hebrew scholar, born at Tregony, Cornwall, Hugh Peters of Peter (1598-1660) was an English independe...
Benjamin Petre (1672-1758) was a Roman Catholic prelate, son of John Petre (1617-1690) of Fidlers or Fithlers, Essex and Edward Petre (1631-1699), known as Father Petre or Peters, was confessor of Jam...

Peter World Ranking

In the United States, the name Peter is the 3,556^th most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. 6 However, in France, the name Peter is ranked the 795^th most popular surname with an estimated 6,310 people with that name. 7 And in Australia, the name Peter is the 964^th popular surname with an estimated 4,113 people with that name. 8 South Africa ranks Peter as 378^th with 18,698 people. 9

Migration of the Peter family to Ireland

Some of the Peter family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 107 words (8 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Peter migration to the United States +

A search of the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Peter:

Peter Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

John Peter, aged 20, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Globe"

Peter Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Katrina Peter, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1731 10
Casper Peter, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1731 10
Cathrina Peter, aged 32, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1733 10
Hendrick Peter, aged 26, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1733 10
Caspar Peter, who landed in Carolina in 1734 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Peter Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Charlotte Peter, who landed in America in 1816 10
William Peter, age 22, who settled in New York City in 1820
Christian Peter, aged 18, who arrived in Mobile, Ala in 1832 10
Abraham Peter, who arrived in Ohio in 1840 10
France Peter, aged 38, who arrived in Missouri in 1844 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Peter Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mr. John M. Peter, (b. 1886), aged 17, Cornish labourer travelling aboard the ship "Lucania" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 14th February 1903 en route to Franklin, Iowa, USA 11
Miss Mary Cattall Peter, (b. 1877), aged 26, Cornish settler, from Falmouth, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Cedric" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 20th April 1903 en route to the United States 11

Peter migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Peter Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Mr. Peter John U.E. who settled in Sissiboo, Nova Scotia c. 1784 listed on the Muster Roll for Gulliver's Hole, St. Mary's Bay and Sissiboo 12

Peter Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Thomas Peter, aged 30, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Forth" in 1833

Peter migration to Australia +

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

Peter Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. John Peter, English convict who was convicted in Shropshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Dromedary" on 11th September 1819, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 13
Edward Peter, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Indus" in 1839 14
William Peter, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Indus" in 1839 14
William George Peter, aged 31, a miner, who arrived in South Australia in 1851 aboard the ship "Thetis" 15

Peter 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:

Peter Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. James Peter, (b. 1837), aged 22, Scottish farm servant from Forfar travelling from London aboard the ship "Zealandia" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 14th November 1859 16
E. Peter, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship 'Merope' arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 27th October 1870 17

Peter migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 18

Peter Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. Isack Peter, (b. 1614), aged 20, British settler travelling from London, UK arriving in St Christopher (St. Kitts) on 5th January 1634 10

Contemporary Notables of the name Peter (post 1700) +

Victor St. Peter, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Maine, 1964 19
George St. Peter, American Republican politician, Elected Missouri State House of Representatives from Mercer County 1964 19
Francis X. St. Peter, American Republican politician, Presidential Elector for Michigan, 1920; Presidential Elector for Michigan, 1920 19
William Peter (1788-1853), Cornish politician and poet, born at Harlyn, St. Merryn, Cornwall
? Peter (1712-1785), known as Peter the Wild Boy, a protégé of George I; he was found in 1725 in the woods near Hamelin, and was observed 'walking on his hands and feet, climbing trees like a squirrel, and feeding on grass and moss'
Claude Peter (1947-2022), French basketball player who played as a point guard in 50 games for the French national team
David Peter (1765-1837), Welsh independent minister from Aberystwith
Werner Peter (b. 1950), former East German football player
Samuel Peter (b. 1980), Nigerian heavyweight boxer
Philipp Peter (b. 1969), Austrian racing car driver
... (Another 3 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Peter family +

Bismarck

Karl Peter (1916-1941), German Bootsmaat who served aboard the German Battleship Bismarck during World War II when it was sunk heading to France; he died in the sinking 20
Bruno Peter (1920-1941), German Maschinengefreiter who served aboard the German Battleship Bismarck during World War II when it was sunk heading to France; he died in the sinking 20

The Peter 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: Invidia major
Motto Translation: Superior to envy.

Sources +

Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
Worth, R.N., A History of Devonshire London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G., 1895. Digital
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
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)
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
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
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/dromedary
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) INDUS 1839. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1839Indus.htm
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) THETIS 1851. Retrieved http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1851Thetis.htm
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 21) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
Bismarck & Tirpitz Class - Crew List Bismarck. (Retrieved 2018, February 06). Retrieved from https://www.bismarck-class.dk/bismarck/crew/bismarck_crew.html#crew_details