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.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Pat?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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
Most popular combo · classic
Pat Rose
Floral · soft ending
Pat Claire
French influence · crisp
Pat Jane
Literary · strong
Pat Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Pat right now?
Holding steady — currently #749 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
What names sound and feel like Pat?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pat also consider these
How is Pat written in other languages?
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.