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Home › Baby Names Directory › Patterson

Patterson

♂ Boy

Pronounced PAT-ur-sun /ˈpæt.ər.sən/Medium

Meaning: From the English and Scottish surname Patterson, 'son of Patrick' (Patrick from Latin patricius, 'noble'). A surname carried into first-name use.Low

In 30 seconds: A strong surname-name: Patterson means 'son of Patrick' (said 'PAT-ur-sun'). Sturdy and modern-classic.
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Origin MediumEnglish, Scottish
MeaningFrom the English and Scottish surname Patterson, 'son of Patrick' (Patrick from Latin patricius, 'noble'). A surname carried into first-name use.
U.S. rank (2023)#10513 ↘ Falling
2023 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2013
Total births (all-time)≈ 534

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201519122023

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Patterson is an English/Scottish surname, 'son of Patrick' (from Latin patricius, 'noble'). As a given name it reads sturdy and surname-modern, which we note — uncommon in the U.S. (said 'PAT-ur-sun').

It appears only rarely for boys as a first name in the U.S. Rare, surname-style, and sturdy.

Did you know? Patterson is an English and Scottish surname meaning 'son of Patrick' — Patrick itself from the Latin for 'noble' — now used as a sturdy first name (said 'PAT-ur-sun').
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Patterson — English/Scottish surname, 'son of Patrick'

Variations

PatersonPattersenPatterston

Nicknames

PatSonny

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Patterson…

Patrick— the name it means 'son of'
Emerson— a like -son surname name
Anderson— a like -son surname pick
Harrison— a like sturdy surname name

Explore names like Patterson

By themeenglishsurnamesturdy

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Patterson mean?

Patterson is an English/Scottish surname meaning 'son of Patrick' (Patrick from Latin patricius, 'noble').

How do you pronounce Patterson?

It's said PAT-ur-sun /ˈpæt.ər.sən/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Patterson a boy or girl name?

Patterson is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Patterson?

Patterson is a rare name for boys in the U.S.

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