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Patton

♂ Boy

Pronounced PAT-un /ˈpæt.ən/High

Meaning: Fighter's estate; from Old English paetta (a fighter) + tun (settlement); also a diminutive of Patrick (nobleman)High

In 30 seconds: An Old English surname meaning 'fighter's estate,' forever associated with General George S. Patton — one of World War II's most audacious commanders. A bold, punchy surname name with patriotic American resonance.

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Origin HighEnglish

MeaningFighter's estate; from Old English paetta (a fighter) + tun (settlement); also a diminutive of Patrick (nobleman)

U.S. rank (2024)#2325 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births61 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2015

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,627

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Patton is an Old English place-name surname from paetta (a fighter or combatant) and tun (settlement, estate). It can also be read as a diminutive of Patrick (Latin Patricius: nobleman). As a given name it honors General George S. Patton and the broader surname-name tradition.

Patton has been used as a given name in the United States primarily since the mid-20th century, influenced by General Patton's fame. It ranked #2325 for boys in 2024, part of the strong-surname-name trend.

Did you know? General George S. Patton (1885–1945) reportedly believed in reincarnation and claimed to have fought in battles across centuries, including as a Roman soldier and at Waterloo. Whether or not he was right, he won every major engagement he fought in World War II.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Patton — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

PatrickPat

Nicknames

Pat

Famous Bearers

★Patton Oswalt (1969-)
American stand-up comedian and actor
★George S. Patton (1885-1945)
American general during World War II (commonly referred to as Patton)

If you like Patton…

Paxton— two-syllable -ton surname name with the same strong American feel

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Colton— two-syllable Old English -ton surname name

Peyton— two-syllable -ton surname name popular for boys

Sutton— two-syllable English surname name in the same category

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By themeenglish american two-syllable surname-style

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Patton mean?

Patton means 'fighter's estate' from Old English paetta (fighter) + tun (settlement).

How do you pronounce Patton?

It's said PAT-un /ˈpæt.ən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Patton a boy or girl name?

Patton is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Patton?

Patton ranked #2325 for U.S. boys in 2024.