patty

Patty is primarily a feminine given name, commonly used as a diminutive of Patricia. In some cases it is also given as a formal name in its own right. Patricia comes from the Latin Patricius, meaning noble or patrician, and Patty, along with variants such as Patti and Pat, developed as affectionate short forms in English-speaking countries.

The name Patty has been particularly common in the United States and the United Kingdom since the mid-20th century, often chosen for its friendly, informal tone. Variants include Patti and Pat, with Patti sometimes seen as a distinct spelling in artistic or public figures.

Notable people named Patty include Patty Duke, an American actress known for her work in film and television; Patty Hearst, an American author and activist; Patty Jenkins, an American filmmaker; Patty Smyth, an American singer; and Patty Loveless, an American country musician. These individuals reflect the name’s broad adoption across different fields.

Patty as a given name also appears in various communities and cultures within the English-speaking world, maintaining a recognizable, approachable image. While Patty is most often used for women, the related form Pat remains common as a masculine nickname in many contexts.