Patty

♀ Girl

Pronounced PAT-ee /ˈpæt.i/High

Meaning: A traditional English pet form of Patricia, from Latin patricia, 'noble; of the patrician class' (feminine of Patricius). Historically Patty also served as a nickname for Martha.Medium

In 30 seconds: A warm mid-century pet name: Patty is short for Patricia, 'noble' (said 'PAT-ee'). Friendly, familiar, and well documented.

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Origin MediumEnglish, Latin

MeaningA traditional English pet form of Patricia, from Latin patricia, 'noble; of the patrician class' (feminine of Patricius). Historically Patty also served as a nickname for Martha.

U.S. rank (2024)#13083 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1959

Total births (all-time)≈ 62,448

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

Patty is the long-standing English pet form of Patricia, from Latin patricia, 'noble'. In earlier generations it also stood in for Martha. It peaked as a stand-alone name in mid-century America and now carries a cozy, retro warmth (said 'PAT-ee').

It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S. today, well past its mid-century height. Rare now, nostalgic, and friendly.

Did you know? Patty didn't always mean Patricia — in earlier centuries it was a common pet form of Martha, which is why the two names sometimes trade places in old family records.

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Patty — Pet form of Patricia (Latin patricia, 'noble'); historically also for Martha

Variations

PattiePattiPatsy

Nicknames

PatPattycakeTrish

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Patty…

Patricia— the full name behind Patty

Peggy— a like retro pet form

Betty— a same-era nickname name

Sandy— a like friendly short pick

Explore names like Patty

By themeclassic nickname-name retro documented

By meaningRoyal / Noble

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Patty mean?

Patty is a pet form of Patricia, from Latin patricia, 'noble'. It was also once a nickname for Martha.

How do you pronounce Patty?

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

Is Patty a boy or girl name?

Patty is used as a girl's name; the boys' equivalent is Pat or Paddy, which we note.

How popular is Patty?

Patty is rare for girls in the U.S. today, though it was common in the mid-twentieth century.