Patsy

noble patrician
English origin · popularized by various cultural references
6% boys94% girls
#604US 2023
1.6kBirths / yr
Stable
127.1kAll-time births
📅 Since 1880🏆 19 years in top 1000.4% of births at peak
How to pronounce Patsy
PATS·ee
/ˈpæts.iː/ · stress on PATS · 2 syllables
noble patrician
English origin · Unisex name

What does Patsy mean and where does it come from?

Patsy is often used as a diminutive of Patricia. The name became popular in the early 20th century and has a friendly, informal appeal. The name has been popularized by various cultural references, including the character Patsy Stone in the British sitcom 'Absolutely Fabulous'.

Cultural significance
Patsy has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble patrician.
Peak popularity
Reached #52 in 1936 — currently #604 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →

What middle names flow best with Patsy?

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

Patsy Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Patsy Rose
Floral · soft ending
Patsy Mae
Sweet · timeless
Patsy Claire
French influence · crisp
Patsy Jane
Literary · strong
Patsy Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Patsy
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How popular is Patsy right now?

Holding steady — currently #604 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 18802023#604 · Top 0.45%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#6041,596▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022#6091,576▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021#6141,546▲ up 5954 · +8994% births
2020#656817▲ up 682 · +6% births
2015#725016▼ down 29 · -6% births
2010#722117▼ down 2109 · -32% births
2005#511225▼ down 1035 · -17% births
2000#407730▼ down 1709 · -45% births
1995#236855▼ down 935 · -50% births
1990#1433110▲ up 89 · +38% births
1985#152280▼ down 75 · -5% births
1980#144784▼ down 533 · -41% births
1975#914142▼ down 349 · -56% births
1970#565322▼ down 181 · -44% births
1965#384576

The story of Patsy

Patsy has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #52 in 1936. More than 127,052 babies have been named Patsy since 1880. Patsy is used for both genders: 94% female and 6% male.

Names that peaked alongside Patsy in 1936:

Patsy by decade

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

DecadeBirths
1880s198
1890s250
1900s556
1910s3,051
1920s11,124
1930s37,887
1940s40,900
1950s22,088
1960s7,154
1970s1,829
1980s891
1990s701
2000s257
2010s149
2020s17

What are good nicknames for Patsy?

Common
PatPa

Common questions about the name Patsy

What does the name Patsy mean?
Patsy means "noble patrician" — a name rooted in English 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 Patsy?
Patsy is currently ranked #604 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 Patsy?
Patsy originates from English tradition. English 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 Patsy?
Patsy is a two-syllable name pronounced P AE1 T S IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Patsy more of a girl or boy name?
Patsy is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.