PATTERSON
Patterson
Etymology: The surname Patterson is of Scottish and Northern Irish origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Patrick, meaning 'nobleman'.
History: The surname Patterson has a long history in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is believed to have originated as a clan name in Scotland, with the Patterson clan being associated with the region of Dumfriesshire. The name spread to Northern Ireland during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century, with many Scottish Pattersons settling in the northern counties of Ireland.
Distribution: The surname Patterson is one of the most common surnames in both Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is also found in other English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to immigration from Scotland and Ireland.
Famous Bearers:
- William Patterson (1745–1810): Scottish-born American merchant and founder of the city of Paterson, New Jersey.
- Mabel Gardiner Hubbard Bell (1857–1923): American philanthropist and wife of inventor Alexander Graham Bell, born Mabel Gardiner Hubbard Patterson.
- Lee Patterson (1929–2007): British actor known for his work in film and television.
Variants: Variants of the surname Patterson include Pattison, Pate, and Fitzpatrick.
Coat of Arms: The Patterson coat of arms typically features elements such as a red lion rampant on a silver shield, representing strength and bravery.
Modern Influence: Today, the surname Patterson continues to be a common and well-respected surname in the English-speaking world. Many individuals with the surname Patterson have made significant contributions to various fields, including the arts, sciences, and business.
Overall, the surname Patterson carries a rich history and diverse cultural heritage, making it an important part of the tapestry of British surnames.
There are approximately 26,466 people named Patterson in the UK. That makes it the 305th most common surname in Britain. Around 406 in a million people in Britain are named Patterson.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Robert
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Paterson
- Pattison
- Patteson
- Pattinson
- Passon
- Pate
- Paddison
- Paterno
- Patersen
- Patersn
- Patherson
- Patreson
- Pattarson
- Patters
- Pattersen
- Pattersson
- Patterston
- Pattesson
- Pattieson
- Pattirson
- Pattrson
- Peaterson
- Peeterson
- Peitersen
- Petersen
- Peterson
- Petersone
- Petersons
- Peterssen
- Petersson
- Peterston
- Pettersen
- Petterson
- Petterssen
- Pettersson
- Petursson
- Pietersen
- Pieterson
- Pitterson
- Potterson
- Pateron
- Paters
- Pateson
- Patesson
- Patieson
- Patison
- Pattenson
- Pattern
- Patterton
- Paturzo
- Pederson
- Petersohn
- Pedersen
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.