What is the origin of the last name Patterson?
Countries of origin for the last name Patterson
The last name Patterson is a common surname of English and Scottish origin. It is a patronymic name, meaning that it is derived from the given name of an ancestor. In this case, Patterson is derived from the given name Patrick, which itself comes from the Latin name Patricius. The name Patrick was popularized in the British Isles by Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
The surname Patterson has a long history, dating back centuries. It is believed to have originated in Scotland, where it was originally spelled “Pate(r)son.” The name gradually spread to other parts of the British Isles, including England and Ireland. Over time, variations in spelling emerged, such as “Patterson” and “Pattinson.”
Like many surnames, Patterson can have multiple origins and meanings. In addition to being derived from the name Patrick, it can also have connections to other given names, such as Peter or Pierre. As such, the meaning of the name Patterson can vary depending on its specific origin within a family or geographic location.
Patterson is a relatively common surname in the United States, with a significant number of individuals bearing this last name. According to genealogical records, Patterson ranks among the top 200 surnames in America.
As with many surnames, there is a possibility of multiple branches and lineages within the Patterson family. Different branches may have distinct historical backgrounds, geographical origins, and variations in spelling. Genealogical research can provide individuals with more specific information about their own surname and its unique history.
In conclusion, the last name Patterson is a patronymic surname of English and Scottish origin. It is derived from the given name Patrick and has a long history dating back centuries. The meaning of the name can vary depending on its specific origin within a family or geographic location. Patterson is a relatively common surname in the United States, and there may be multiple branches and lineages within the Patterson family. Genealogical research can uncover more about the unique history and origins of this surname.
Interesting facts about the last name Patterson
- The surname Patterson is of Scottish and Irish origin.
- The origin of the surname can be traced back to the personal name Patrick, which means “noble” or “patrician” in Latin.
- The name Patterson was first recorded in Scotland in the 12th century.
- Patterson is a common surname in both Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- The name is spelled as “Patterson” in Scotland, while in Ireland it is more commonly spelled as “Pattinson” or “Paterson”.
- Patterson is a patronymic surname, meaning it originated from the given name of an ancestor. In this case, it would mean “son of Patrick”.
- Famous individuals with the surname Patterson include James Patterson, a bestselling American author, and Sir Joseph John Thomson Patterson, a Canadian newspaper publisher.
- Patterson is the 20th most common surname in Scotland and the 25th most common surname in Northern Ireland.
- The Patterson surname has also been found in other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to migration from Scotland and Ireland.
- The name Patterson is associated with qualities such as leadership, determination, and intelligence.