Surname Patterson. - Meaning and Origin

Patterson.: What does the surname Patterson. mean?

The last name Patterson is of Scottish origin. The root of the name is a patronymic, meaning “son of Patrick”. Patrick, or Padruig in Gaelic, was a popular choice for given names during the Middle Ages.

The name Patterson was also a common surname for Ulster-Scots who settled in America during colonial times. Many of these early immigrants anglicised their names by changing their spelling to variations like Patterson.

The name is most commonly associated with Clan Paterson, a Highland clan who descended from an early Gaelic cental family of Scotland. The clan was established in the 12th century when the family took its name from their manor of Patersonshaugh.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Paterson family rose to become laird of their Clan. They held the titles of Duke, Lord and Chief, owned much of the land in the adjacent Stewartry of Kirkudbright and enjoyed a privileged lifestyle. The family became a powerful political force in the region and Sir Alexander Paterson played a crucial role in the creation of the Union of England and Scotland in 1707.

Today, the name Patterson is found in many countries around the world, mostly due to the large number of immigrants from Scotland and its diaspora. It's a common surname in the United States, Canada and Australia, and can be found across much of Europe as well. The Patterson name usually includes a reference to Patrick and often implies that the bearer of the name is descended from a powerful Scottish family.

Patterson.: Where does the name Patterson. come from?

The last name Patterson is a popular and very common name in many countries around the world. It is particularly prominent in the English speaking world and is especially associated with Scotland and Northern Ireland. In England and Wales it is the 15th most popular surname according to the Office of National Statistics, and it is the 19th most common last name in the United States.

Patterson is a patronymic name meaning “son of Patrick,” and is associated with the Gaelic given name Mac Pháidín, shortened to Mac Phearson meaning "son of Pádraig." Many British and Appalachian families trace their origin to this name, suggesting its status in the British Isles since the Middle Ages. In Scotland, the Patterson surname can be found all over, especially in the north and northwest.

The Patterson surname is also common throughout Canada, especially in the province of Ontario where it was one of the most popular names in the late 19th century.

Other countries with a strong Patterson presence include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and various parts of the Caribbean. There are also many versions of the name throughout Europe, including variants in Sweden (Persson), Spain (Pederson), Poland (Ptasznik) and France (de Patout).

The name is a famous one throughout its dispersal, with notable bearers include the former governor of California, Jerry Brown, and American actress Julia Paterson. It is likely to remain popular for many years to come.

Variations of the surname Patterson.

The surname Patterson is of Scottish origin and is a patronymic derivative of the given name Patrick, meaning “son of Patrick”. Over time, variants of the name developed, including Patton, Patten, Paton, and Paterson. Spellings of the original name, Patterson, have evolved as well, such as Pattinson, Petterson, and Pattison. These surnames are all variations of the same origin but may appear differently depending on the region.

The original of Patterson is believed to have evolved from the Middle English Pater “father” and the suffix “son”, which is often added to surnames as an indication of descent from the specified place or patronymic.

Other possible spellings or variations of the surname Patterson include Paterson, Pattison, Paton, Patton, Petterson and Patons. These variations of the surname are still used throughout the world, although the spelling varies depending on the region or country where it is used.

Surnames derived from the same root as Patterson include MacPherson, Macpherson, Pate, Patten, Patey, Patin, Patience and Patman. Some of these are more common than others, but all of them are related to the original surname Patterson.

In the United Kingdom, Scotland in particular, the surnames of Paterson and Pattison are the most common variants of Patterson. In the United States, however, Patton and Paton are more common. Finally, in Canada, MacPherson is a common variant.

Famous people with the name Patterson.

• James Patterson: Author
• Julia Paterson: Actress
• Matthew Patterson: Actor
• Richard Patterson: Wrestler and MMA Fighter
• John Patterson: Union leader and Politician
• Jim Patterson: Golf Player
• Charles Patterson: Writer and Politician
• Maryellen Patterson: Swimmer
• Zachery Patterson: Actor
• Elizebeth Patterson: Actress
• Kelsey Patterson: Project Manager
• Peter Patterson: Soccer Player
• Burnett Patterson Jr.: Writer
• Tom Patterson: Artist
• Jack Patterson: Musician
• Belinda Patterson: Actress
• Cristina Patterson: Lifestyle Blogger
• Sherri Patterson: TV Personality
• George Patterson: Radio Presenter
• Kerry Patterson: Psychology Expert

Other surnames

Patterson