Paterson

Paterson is a Scottish and English surname meaning "son of Patrick." The personal name Patrick derives from the Latin Patricius, meaning "nobleman," and was famously borne by Saint Patrick, the fifth-century patron saint of Ireland. As a surname, Paterson belongs to the common family of patronymics formed by adding "-son" to a father's name, paralleling similar formations like Patterson (a Scottish variant) and Patrickson.

Etymology and Origins

The name is first recorded in Scotland in the 14th century. Early bearers include Walter Patersone in Glasgow in 1475 and William Paterson, a Scottish-born English economist who founded the Bank of England in 1694. In England, the name is widespread, particularly in the northern counties and London. Variant forms include Paddon and Paden (English), and the Irish Fitzpatrick, where the prefix Fitz- also means "son of." Swedish speakers use the typologically parallel Patriksson.

Notable Bearers

The surname has been carried by many influential individuals. Perhaps the most famous is Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson (1864–1941), Australian poet and writer of the classic bush ballad "Waltzing Matilda." His first name Paterson was actually his mother's maiden surname, a common Scottish naming convention. Other notable figures include the American entrepreneur Paterson was a president of the Bank of England. Founders of communities such as Paterson, New Jersey (named after this entrepreneur) also spread the name across the globe.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Paterson is most heavily concentrated in Scotland, although substantial populations exist in England, Australia, Canada, and the United States. As a given name, Paterson is rarer; notable bearers include the British actor Paterson Joseph and Canadian painter Paterson Ewen.

• Meaning: Son of Patrick
• Origin: Scottish and English (patronymic)
• Notable Bearers: Banjo Paterson, Paterson Joseph, Paterson Ewen
• Variants: Patterson, Patrickson, Fitzpatrick, Pate