What does Patterson mean and where does it come from?
Patterson initially stems from the surname which means 'son of Patrick,' derived from the Gaelic name 'Pádraig.' It was used primarily in Scotland and later brought to the United States, where it evolved into a given name for women in the 20th century. The name has connotations of strength and commi
Cultural significance
Patterson has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of patrick.
Peak popularity
Reached #11654 in 2025 — currently #11654 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Patterson?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Patterson?
Patterson works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Patterson Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Patterson John
One syllable · timeless choice
Patterson Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Patterson Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Patterson Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Patterson Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Patterson right now?
Falling — down 9937 spots — currently #11654 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #11654 | 6 | ▼ down 9937 · -99% births |
| 2023 | #1717 | 483 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1722 | 463 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1727 | 433 | ▲ up 15389 · +8560% births |
| 2010 | #17116 | 5 | ▼ down 511 |
| 2005 | #16605 | 5 | — |
The story of Patterson
Patterson is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1993. With 546 total births recorded, Patterson remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #16605 in 2005 to #1717 in 2023. Patterson is used for both genders: 4% female and 96% male.
Names that peaked alongside Patterson in 2025:
Patterson by decade
Patterson peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 34 | |
| 1920s | 47 | |
| 1930s | 22 | |
| 1940s | 66 | |
| 1950s | 57 | |
| 1960s | 44 | |
| 1970s | 10 | |
| 1980s | 26 | |
| 1990s | 32 | |
| 2000s | 77 | |
| 2010s ★ | 120 | |
| 2020s | 17 | |
💎Patterson has only 546 total recorded births since 1993 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Patterson?
What names sound and feel like Patterson?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Patterson also consider these
Common questions about the name Patterson
What does the name Patterson mean?
Patterson means "son of Patrick" — 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 Patterson?
Patterson 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 Patterson?
Patterson 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 Patterson?
Patterson is a three-syllable name pronounced PAT-er-sun. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Patterson?
Patterson pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.