Paddy

“Noble”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

♂ 26% boys♀ 74% girls

#1935US 2023

265Births / yr

→Stable

336All-time births

📅 Since 192800

How to pronounce Paddy

PAD·ee

/ˈpæd.iː/ · stress on PAD · 2 syllables

“Noble”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

What does Paddy mean and where does it come from?

Paddy is often a diminutive of Patricia, a name of Irish origin meaning 'noble'. While traditionally used as a male diminutive, in recent years, it has gained popularity as a female name or nickname, especially in Ireland and among Irish communities in the United States. The name has an informal fee

Cultural significance

Paddy has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble.

Peak popularity

Reached #1408 in 1934 — currently #1935 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Paddy?

Paddy works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Paddy Grace

How popular is Paddy right now?

Holding steady — currently #1935 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1935–2023#1935 · Top 1.4%

1935

1940

1950

1955

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1935	265	▲ up 5 · +8% births
2022	#1940	245	▲ up 5 · +14% births
2021	#1945	215	▲ up 1765 · +1855% births
1955	#3710	11	▼ down 349
1950	#3361	11	▼ down 191 · +22% births
1940	#3170	9	▼ down 1079 · -44% births
1935	#2091	16	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Paddy

Best Year2023Rank #1935

Peak Count265

Average Rank#2593

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1935 - 20237 years

The story of Paddy

Paddy entered American naming records in 1928 and has been in use for over 96 years. With 336 total births recorded, Paddy remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2091 in 1935 to #1935 in 2023. Paddy is used for both genders: 74% female and 26% male.

Names that peaked alongside Paddy in 1934:

Mary Betty Barbara Shirley Dorothy

Paddy by decade

Paddy peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1920s	16
1930s ★	146
1940s	66
1950s	79
1960s	11
2000s	5
2010s	13

💎Paddy has only 336 total recorded births since 1928 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Paddy?

Common

PadPa

What names sound and feel like Paddy?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Paddy also consider these

Gaddy

Irish · A Irish name

Pandy

American · A diminutive form

Laddy

English · a nickname or

Waddy

American · A nickname or

Haddy

English · having a warm

Kaddy

American · Variant of the

Daddy

English · English

Maddy

English · the woman from

How is Paddy written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Paddy

What does the name Paddy mean?

Paddy means "Noble" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Paddy?

Paddy is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Paddy?

Paddy originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Paddy?

Paddy is a two-syllable name pronounced P AE1 D IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Paddy a common or rare name?

Paddy is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.