Find out how popular the first name Peder has been for the last 43 years (from 1975 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Peder by gender

Based on the last 43 years of data, Peder is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Peder.

The history of the first name Peder

The name Peder is a masculine given name of Scandinavian origin, primarily used in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It is a variant of the name Peter, which is derived from the Greek name Πέτρος (Petros), meaning "rock" or "stone." The name can be traced back to the early Christian era, as it was borne by one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, Saint Peter, also known as Simon Peter.

The name's earliest recorded use can be found in ancient Norse sagas and medieval Scandinavian records. In the Icelandic Sagas, there are accounts of individuals named Peder, indicating the name's widespread usage in the Viking Age and Early Middle Ages across the Nordic regions.

Historically, several notable figures have borne the name Peder. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Peder Oxe (1520-1575), a Danish statesman and naval admiral who played a significant role in the Northern Seven Years' War against Sweden.

Another prominent figure was Peder Griffenfeld (1635-1699), a Danish statesman and diplomat who served as the Chancellor of Denmark under King Christian V. His rise and fall from power is a remarkable chapter in Danish history.

In the realm of literature, Peder Paars, written by the Danish poet Ludvig Holberg (1684-1754), is a celebrated mock-heroic poem that satirizes the life of a fictional character named Peder Paars.

The name also has religious significance, as Saint Peder (Peter) is revered in the Catholic and Orthodox Christian traditions, particularly in Scandinavian countries. Many churches and monasteries in the region were named after him, further solidifying the name's cultural and religious importance.

In the field of art, Peder Balke (1804-1887) was a renowned Norwegian painter known for his distinctive style and his landscapes depicting the rugged Norwegian coastline and fjords.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Peder, highlighting its enduring presence and cultural significance across various spheres of life in Scandinavian countries.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Peder was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Peder, please contact us.

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