Patterson

Patterson is a surname of Scottish and English origin. It is a patronymic name meaning “son of Patrick,” derived from the given name Patrick. Variants of the spelling include Paterson, with Patterson representing a common American form. The name is widely distributed in English-speaking countries and appears in various geographic and institutional names.

As a place name, Patterson designates several towns in the United States. Notable examples include Patterson, California; Patterson, Louisiana; and Patterson, New Jersey. The name also appears in other geographic contexts and in the names of facilities and institutions.

One well-known use of the name in geography and institutions is Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, a major United States military installation. The base combines the names of Wright Field and Patterson Field, reflecting historical abbreviations and developments in its early history.

In culture and society, Patterson is a common surname carried by many individuals across diverse fields such as politics, science, sports, entertainment, and the arts. Because of its wide distribution, the name appears in numerous biographical and historical references, making it a representative sample of English- and Scottish-derived surnames.

See also:

- Paterson (variant spelling)

- Patterson Park (common to multiple cities)

- Other uses of Patterson in toponymy and surnames