Origin & Meaning of the Paterson Surname
What does the last name Paterson mean?
The surname Paterson carries the meaning "Son of Pater." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 7,035 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Paterson ranks as the #4,990 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Paterson come from?
The Paterson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Paterson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Paterson trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Paterson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Pater |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,990 |
| US Count (2010) | 7,035 |
| Per 100K People | 2.38 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Paterson
According to the US Census, the Paterson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,035 Americans with the Paterson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.21% |
| Black | 10.29% |
| Hispanic | 2.5% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.81% |
| Native American | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 1.79% |
Popularity of Paterson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Paterson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Paterson surname increased by 226 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paterson
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