Origin & Meaning of the Patterson Surname
What does the last name Patterson mean?
The surname Patterson carries the meaning "Son of Patter." 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 205,423 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Patterson ranks as the #117 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Patterson come from?
The Patterson 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 Patterson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Patterson 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 | Patterson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Patter |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #117 |
| US Count (2010) | 205,423 |
| Per 100K People | 69.64 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Patterson
According to the US Census, the Patterson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 205,423 Americans with the Patterson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 67.27% |
| Black | 26.8% |
| Hispanic | 2.43% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.47% |
| Native American | 0.68% |
| Two or More Races | 2.35% |
Popularity of Patterson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Patterson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Patterson surname increased by 6,866 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Patterson Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Patterson
- ✓ The Patterson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Patterson families live today
- ✓ Notable Patterson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Patterson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Patterson.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Patterson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Patterson
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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