Origin & Meaning of the Paton Surname
What does the last name Paton mean?
The surname Paton carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." 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 3,059 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Paton ranks as the #10,491 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Paton come from?
The Paton 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 Paton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Paton 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 | Paton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,491 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,059 |
| Per 100K People | 1.04 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Paton
According to the US Census, the Paton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,059 Americans with the Paton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.48% |
| Black | 5.26% |
| Hispanic | 3.99% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.31% |
| Native American | 0.49% |
| Two or More Races | 1.47% |
Popularity of Paton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Paton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Paton surname increased by 213 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paton
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