Patterson Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Patterson come from? What does the surname Patterson mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Patterson and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Patterson Origin: What does the last name Patterson mean?
The surname Patterson originates from Scotland, Ireland, and Northern England, meaning "son of Patrick." Variations such as Pattison and Pattinson also exist. Records show that the surname Patterson first appeared in the early 15th century in Scotland, and by the early 16th century, it had spread to England and the United States. YourRoots data confirms the surname's presence in the United Kingdom since the early 10th century, with a steady expansion globally over the centuries.
Today, the Patterson surname is predominantly found in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland, among other countries. It carries a rich history of familial ties to the name Patrick and signifies descent from someone with that given name. The Patterson surname continues to be prevalent and holds a significant place in genealogical records, reflecting a lineage that has evolved and thrived across various regions and cultures over the centuries.
Patterson Last Name History: Where did the last name Patterson come from?
Origin of Patterson Surname: Where does the last name Patterson originate from?
The YourRoots database indicates that the earliest records of the surname Patterson can be traced back to Scotland in the United Kingdom, around the early 15th century. It's important to note that this only pertains to the exact spelling of 'Patterson' as per the data available in YourRoots.
History of the Last Name Patterson: What does the Patterson surname history look like in the early days?
The Patterson surname initially appeared in Scotland and England in the United Kingdom during the 15th century. By the early 16th century, the surname had also started appearing in the United States. YourRoots data reveals a significant increase in the volume of records for the Patterson surname in the United States during the 17th and 18th centuries, indicating a substantial growth period.
Global Spread: Where can the Patterson surname be found today?
By the 16th century, the volume of records for the Patterson surname had grown substantially in the United States. This growth continued into the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Today, the Patterson surname is predominantly found in the United States, although there are records of the surname in various countries worldwide. Besides the United States and the United Kingdom, the Patterson surname appears in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland, among others.
Explore Patterson last name heritage and Patterson surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Patterson Surame?
James Patterson
James Brendan Patterson (March 22, 1947 - ) is an American author known for popular series like Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, and Women's Murder Club. With over 425 million copies sold, he was the first to sell a million e-books. Patterson has topped Forbes' highest-paid authors list multiple times and has donated millions to promote literacy. His works span multiple genres, including thrillers, non-fiction, and romance novels. Patterson collaborates with co-authors and has even worked with former President Bill Clinton. His impact on the literary world is immense, with numerous bestsellers and awards to his name.
Scott Patterson
Scott Patterson (born Sep 11, 1958) is an American actor known for his main role as Luke Danes on the WB comedy-drama series "Gilmore Girls" and its Netflix revival. He has also appeared in the horror films "Saw IV" and "Saw V" and voiced characters in "Batman: Gotham by Gaslight." Patterson's diverse career includes roles in various TV shows and independent films, showcasing his talent and versatility as an actor.
Floyd Patterson
Floyd Patterson (Jan 4, 1935 – May 11, 2006) was an American boxer who became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at age 21. He won a gold medal at the 1952 Olympics and was known for his "peek-a-boo" stance. Patterson's career spanned from 1952 to 1972, with two reigns as the world heavyweight champion. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991 and is considered one of the top 15 heavyweights of all time.
Melody Patterson
Melody Patricia Patterson (April 16, 1949 – August 20, 2015) was an American actress best known for her role as Wrangler Jane in the 1960s TV series F Troop and as Ellie in the horror film Blood and Lace (1971). Starting her career at a young age, she impressed producers with her talent and went on to work in television, radio, and theater. Patterson also entertained troops in Vietnam and received recognition as a rising star in Hollywood. Despite facing personal challenges, she continued to pursue her passion for acting until her passing at age 66.
Cordarrelle Patterson
Cordarrelle Javon Patterson (March 17, 1991 - ) known as "Flash," is an American professional football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. Patterson is a versatile player, excelling as a running back, kickoff returner, and wide receiver. He holds records for the longest kick return and has been a standout return specialist in NFL history. With a dynamic playing style, Patterson has also played for several other teams, showcasing his talent and speed on the field.
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