Patty
Diminutive form of Patricia, which means 'noble'.
American origin · Unisex name
0% boys100% girls
#1946US 2023
254Births / yr
Stable
62.7kAll-time births
📅 Since 188000.15% of births at peak
How to pronounce Patty
PAT·ee
/ˈpæt.iː/ · stress on PAT · 2 syllables
Diminutive form of Patricia, which means 'noble'.
American origin · Unisex name

What does Patty mean and where does it come from?

Patty is a short form of Patricia, with Patricia itself derived from the Latin name 'Patricius', meaning 'noble' or 'noblewoman'. The name became popular in the early 20th century and various forms can be found in several cultures. Notable people with this name include Patty Duke, an American actres

Cultural significance
Patty has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of diminutive form of patricia, which means 'noble'..
Peak popularity
Reached #139 in 1959 — currently #1946 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Patty?

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

What middle names flow best with Patty?

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

Patty Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Patty Rose
Floral · soft ending
Patty Mae
Sweet · timeless
Patty Claire
French influence · crisp
Patty Jane
Literary · strong
Patty Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Patty
Browse ideas →

How popular is Patty right now?

Holding steady — currently #1946 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 18802023#1946 · Top 1.4%
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#1946254▲ up 5 · +9% births
2022#1951234▲ up 5 · +15% births
2021#1956204▲ up 11033 · +2814% births
2015#129897▲ up 455
2010#134447▼ down 6623 · -59% births
2005#682117▼ down 875 · -6% births
2000#594618▼ down 2160 · -36% births
1995#378628▼ down 1551 · -51% births
1990#223557▼ down 613 · -22% births
1985#162273▼ down 428 · -34% births
1980#1194111▼ down 565 · -56% births
1975#629250▼ down 235 · -58% births
1970#394595▼ down 196 · -64% births
1965#1981,664▼ down 53 · -43% births
1960#1452,936

The story of Patty

Patty has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 62,684 babies have received this name. Once ranked #620 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1946 in 2023. Patty is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Patty in 1959:

Patty by decade

Patty peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

DecadeBirths
1880s27
1890s32
1900s82
1910s357
1920s2,809
1930s9,691
1940s11,476
1950s16,136
1960s17,547
1970s3,063
1980s894
1990s351
2000s157
2010s62

What are good nicknames for Patty?

Common
PatPa

Common questions about the name Patty

What does the name Patty mean?
Patty means "Diminutive form of Patricia, which means 'noble'." — 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 Patty?
Patty 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 Patty?
Patty 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 Patty?
Patty is a two-syllable name pronounced P AE1 T IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Patty a common or rare name?
Patty is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.