Patton is a unique and powerful male given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname Patton, which has its roots in Scotland. The surname Patton is believed to have originated from one of two sources: it could be derived from an Old French personal name, Pat(t)on, which was a diminutive of Patrick; or it could come from the Middle English word 'patoun', meaning 'little pat' or 'pocket'.
The name Patton has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. Perhaps the most famous is General George S. Patton Jr., who was an American general in World War II and later served as the Supreme Allied Commander of the U.S. Sixth Army during the Battle of Normandy. His military prowess and leadership earned him the nickname "Old Blood and Guts," and his legacy continues to inspire generations of military personnel.
In literature, the name Patton is also notable for its appearance in J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic, The Lord of the Rings. In the story, the character Glorfindel is referred to as Glorfindel of the House of the Golden Tree, which some sources suggest could be translated as "Patton of the Golden Tree."
Today, Patton remains a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and distinctive name for their sons. Its association with notable historical figures and its interesting origins make it an appealing option for those seeking a unique name with a rich history behind it.
In conclusion, Patton is an English given name that is derived from the Scottish surname Patton. It has two possible origins: it could be derived from the Old French personal name Pat(t)on or the Middle English word 'patoun'. Throughout history, several notable figures have borne this name, including General George S. Patton Jr., and its appearance in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings adds to its literary significance. Today, Patton remains a popular choice for parents seeking a strong and distinctive name for their sons.
The name Patton has seen a varied trend in its popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by the birth statistics provided.
In the early to mid-20th century, from 1915 to 1940, the number of babies named Patton at birth ranged from just 5 to 13 per year. The highest point during this period was reached in 1944 with 13 births. This suggests that while Patton was not a common name, it was still chosen for some newborns each year.
From 1945 onwards, there was a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name Patton. In 1945 and 1946, there were 15 births each year, marking a significant jump from previous years. This upward trend continued through the 1950s, with the highest point being reached in 1953 with 12 births.
The 1960s and 1970s saw fluctuations in popularity, with some years having as few as 5 births (e.g., 1960, 1982) and others reaching double digits (e.g., 1964 with 11 births, 1978 with 13). However, the overall trend seemed to be a slow decline in popularity.
Starting from the late 1980s, there was another surge in the number of babies named Patton. The highest points during this period were reached in 1993 with 17 births and again in 2015 with 70 births. This marked a significant increase compared to previous decades.
In recent years, from 2016 onwards, the popularity of the name Patton has remained quite high but has shown some decline. For instance, there were 45 births in 2023, which is lower than the peak seen in 2015.
Overall, looking at the total number of births for the name Patton in the United States (1565), we can see that while it has not been one of the most popular names throughout history, it has still been chosen by many parents for their children over the years. The popularity of the name has fluctuated significantly from decade to decade but has seen some notable peaks, particularly since the late 1980s.