Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Pat is a name of Latin origin, derived from 'Patricius', meaning 'noble'. It has evolved through various forms in English and French. The name is often used as a diminutive of Patrick and conveys traits of friendliness and approachability. It has no biblical relevance and gained popularity as a unisex name in the 20th century.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/pæt/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Pat is derived from the Latin name 'Patricius', which means 'noble' or 'nobleman'. It is often used as a diminutive of the name Patrick.
Meaning
noble
Language Evolution
Patricius (Latin), Patric (Old French), Patrick (Middle English), Pat (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Pat gained popularity in the 20th century as a short form of Patrick, particularly in English-speaking countries. It became commonly used as a unisex name.
Variants & Derivatives
Patrick, Patricia, Paddy, Patsy
Modern Popularity & Image
Pat is seen as a friendly and approachable name. It is often associated with strength and loyalty, and it has a casual, down-to-earth image.
Famous People
Pat Benatar, Pat Sajak, Pat Summitt, Patricia Highsmith
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,543 peak births in 1947
Geographic Spread
Popular across 48 US states, with strongest presence in Oklahoma
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 395th of 7545 | 3,641 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 268th of 6773 | 8,084 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 301st of 7552 | 11,500 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 644th of 10718 | 2,614 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3041st of 16616 | 301 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 13079th of 24088 | 46 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 20190th of 23106 | 10 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 688th of 9107 | 1,989 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 165th of 9204 | 24,055 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 335th of 12526 | 13,301 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1987th of 19264 | 702 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 12377th of 27321 | 63 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
32.49% 460th/1416 |
26.98% 372nd/1379 |
14.71% 348th/2366 |
30.21% 345th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
16.24% 251st/1546 |
17.42% 271st/1556 |
11.73% 276th/2353 |
11.76% 182nd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
11.23% 250th/2227 |
12.88% 313th/2430 |
13.63% 389th/2853 |
8.32% 231st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
17.64% 518th/2937 |
18.69% 651st/3483 |
22.14% 779th/3518 |
13.58% 549th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
48.92% 2189th/4475 |
67.60% 3511th/5194 |
60.06% 3794th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
40.04% 567th/1416 |
53.59% 739th/1379 |
34.66% 820th/2366 |
26.27% 300th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
7.57% 117th/1546 |
16.71% 260th/1556 |
9.69% 228th/2353 |
4.72% 73rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
11.63% 259th/2227 |
15.35% 373rd/2430 |
14.02% 400th/2853 |
10.99% 305th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
50.63% 1487th/2937 |
62.16% 2165th/3483 |
53.58% 1885th/3518 |
56.65% 2291st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Oklahoma across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Silent Generation generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 395th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 268th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 301st out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 644th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3041st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 13079th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 20190th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 688th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 165th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 335th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1987th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12377th out of 27321 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.