Pat

“noble.”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 40% boys♀ 60% girls

#749US 2023

1.5kBirths / yr

→Stable

66.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 189700.16% of births at peak

How to pronounce Pat

PAT

/ˈpæt/ · stress on PAT · 1 syllable

“noble.”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Pat mean and where does it come from?

Pat is often used as a diminutive of Patricia or other names beginning with 'Pat-' and has become a standalone name in its own right. The name Patricia is derived from Latin, meaning 'noble.' Pat has been popular in various English-speaking countries and is regarded as a unisex name, although it was

Cultural significance

Pat has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #134 in 1940 — currently #749 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Pat?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Patt

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Pat?

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

Pat Grace

How popular is Pat right now?

Holding steady — currently #749 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1905–2023#749 · Top 0.55%

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#749	1,451	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#754	1,431	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#759	1,401	▲ up 8586 · +23250% births
1985	#9345	6	▼ down 3002 · -40% births
1980	#6343	10	▼ down 2560 · -41% births
1975	#3783	17	▼ down 1541 · -51% births
1970	#2242	35	▼ down 1464 · -79% births
1965	#778	163	▼ down 428 · -78% births
1960	#350	756	▲ up 127 · +111% births
1955	#477	359	▼ down 91 · -18% births
1950	#386	440	▼ down 232 · -71% births
1945	#154	1,520	▼ down 20 · -18% births
1940	#134	1,863	▲ up 17 · +40% births
1935	#151	1,326	▲ up 76 · +81% births
1930	#227	734	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Pat

Best Year1940Rank #134

Peak Count1,863

Average Rank#1583

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1905 - 202320 years

The story of Pat

Pat has been a beloved American name for over 127 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1897. A total of 66,854 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1729 in 1905 to #749 in 2023. Pat is used for both genders: 60% female and 40% male.

Names that peaked alongside Pat in 1940:

Mary Barbara Patricia Judith Betty

Pat by decade

Pat peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	220
1890s	278
1900s	439
1910s	1,777
1920s	5,241
1930s	16,771
1940s ★	21,637
1950s	10,078
1960s	8,930
1970s	1,029
1980s	295
1990s	116
2000s	33
2010s	10

What are good nicknames for Pat?

Common

PatiePaty

What names sound and feel like Pat?

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

Patt

American · A beloved name

Pam

American · Honey

Pax

American · Meaning 'peace'.

American · Noble or a

Mat

English · English

Paty

Spain · a diminutive of

How is Pat written in other languages?

Gender variants of Pat

Padrig BRETON Patrik CROATIAN Patrik CZECH Patrick ENGLISH Patsy ENGLISH Patrice FRENCH Patrick FRENCH Patrick GERMAN Patrik HUNGARIAN Paddy IRISH Pádraic IRISH Pádraig IRISH Patrick IRISH Patsy IRISH Patrizio ITALIAN Patricius LATE ROMAN Pherick MANX Patariki MAORI Pate MEDIEVAL ENGLISH Patryk POLISH Patrício PORTUGUESE Pàdraig SCOTTISH Patrik SLOVAK Patricio SPANISH Patrik SWEDISH Padrig WELSH Patricija CROATIAN Patricie CZECH Patrice ENGLISH Patricia ENGLISH Patsy ENGLISH Patti ENGLISH Pattie ENGLISH Patty ENGLISH Trecia ENGLISH Tresha ENGLISH Tricia ENGLISH Trish ENGLISH Trisha ENGLISH Patricia GERMAN Patrícia HUNGARIAN Pádraigín IRISH Patrizia ITALIAN Patricia LATE ROMAN Patka POLISH Patrycja POLISH Patrícia PORTUGUESE Patka SLOVAK Patrícia SLOVAK Patricija SLOVENE Patricia SPANISH Paden ENGLISH Patton ENGLISH Patricija CROATIAN Patricie CZECH Patrice ENGLISH Patricia ENGLISH Patsy ENGLISH Patti ENGLISH Pattie ENGLISH Patty ENGLISH Trecia ENGLISH Tresha ENGLISH Tricia ENGLISH Trish ENGLISH Trisha ENGLISH Patricia GERMAN Patrícia HUNGARIAN Pádraigín IRISH Patrizia ITALIAN Patricia LATE ROMAN Patka POLISH Patrycja POLISH Patrícia PORTUGUESE Patka SLOVAK Patrícia SLOVAK Patricija SLOVENE Patricia SPANISH Paden ENGLISH Patton ENGLISH

Common questions about the name Pat

What does the name Pat mean?

Pat means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Pat?

Pat is currently ranked #749 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 Pat?

Pat originates from American tradition. American 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 Pat?

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

How does Pat sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Pat flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Pat ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.