NameCensus.

UK surname

Patten

An English occupational surname referring to a maker or seller of pattens, wooden-soled overshoes worn to elevate feet from mud.

In the 1881 census there were 1,863 people recorded with the Patten surname, ranking it #2,340 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 2,646, ranked #2,521, down from #2,340 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Middle and West Chinnock, London parishes and Fulbourn. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Ipswich, Northumberland and Taunton Deane.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Patten is 2,824 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 42.0%.

1881 census count

1,863

Ranked #2,340

Modern count

2,646

2016, ranked #2,521

Peak year

1999

2,824 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Patten had 1,863 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #2,340 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 2,646 in 2016, ranked #2,521.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 2,395 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Patten surname distribution map

The map shows where the Patten surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Patten surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Patten over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 1,275 #2,241
1861 historical 1,100 #2,552
1881 historical 1,863 #2,340
1891 historical 1,802 #2,548
1901 historical 2,143 #2,512
1911 historical 2,395 #2,140
1997 modern 2,715 #2,356
1998 modern 2,822 #2,366
1999 modern 2,824 #2,379
2000 modern 2,780 #2,396
2001 modern 2,700 #2,406
2002 modern 2,774 #2,401
2003 modern 2,691 #2,414
2004 modern 2,705 #2,409
2005 modern 2,665 #2,414
2006 modern 2,628 #2,443
2007 modern 2,635 #2,452
2008 modern 2,643 #2,458
2009 modern 2,707 #2,459
2010 modern 2,745 #2,484
2011 modern 2,701 #2,488
2012 modern 2,621 #2,520
2013 modern 2,687 #2,502
2014 modern 2,701 #2,504
2015 modern 2,658 #2,524
2016 modern 2,646 #2,521

Geography

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Where Pattens are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Middle and West Chinnock, London parishes, Fulbourn and Chapel or Pontisbright, Wakes Colne, Mount Bures. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Ipswich, Northumberland, Taunton Deane, West Dorset and Newcastle upon Tyne. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Middle and West Chinnock Somerset
2 London parishes London 1
3 London parishes London 3
4 Fulbourn Cambridgeshire
5 Chapel or Pontisbright, Wakes Colne, Mount Bures Essex

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Ipswich 004 Ipswich
2 Northumberland 023 Northumberland
3 Taunton Deane 005 Taunton Deane
4 West Dorset 008 West Dorset
5 Newcastle upon Tyne 029 Newcastle upon Tyne

Forenames

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First names often paired with Patten

These lists show first names that appear often with the Patten surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Patten

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Patten, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Rural Amenity

Nationally, the Patten surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Rural Amenity, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Patten household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group comprises older parents or retirees, with no resident dependent children, and with the lowest residential densities in this Supergroup. Predominantly UK-born, residents typically live in detached houses, although others do live in semi-detached and terraced properties. The level of multiple car ownership is the highest in this Supergroup. Most houses are owner occupied although social renting is also present. Many concentrations occur in high amenity rural locations, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs

Within London, Patten is most associated with areas classed as Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Mainly concentrated in suburban areas, these terraced and semi-detached developments are less overcrowded than the Supergroup average, and resident households are more likely to own two or more cars. There are fewer residents aged 25-44, and a larger share of residents employed in administrative and secretarial occupations. Residents are more likely to have been born in the UK, less likely to have been born in the EU or Africa, and much less likely to self-identify as Bangladeshi.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Patten is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Patten falls in decile 6 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

6
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Patten is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Patten, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Patten

The surname Patten originated in England, specifically in the northern counties. It is derived from the Old English word "pæth," meaning a path or track. The earliest recorded spelling of the name was found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appeared as "Patyn."

In medieval times, the name was often used as a descriptive term for someone who lived near a path or roadway. It was also sometimes given as an occupational name to those who were responsible for maintaining paths or roads. The name Patten was particularly common in the counties of Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire.

One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was John Patten, who was born in Warrington, Lancashire, around 1450. Another notable figure was William Patten, an English writer and diplomat who lived from 1510 to 1598. He is best known for his account of the Scottish expedition of 1548, titled "The Expedicion into Scotlande."

In the 17th century, the name Patten appeared in various forms, including Paton, Patton, and Pattin. One notable bearer was William Patten (1638-1718), an English clergyman and author who wrote several theological works.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Patten surname was found throughout England, particularly in the north. Some notable individuals from this period include:

1. George Patten (1752-1819), an English businessman and politician who served as Lord Mayor of London. 2. John Wilson Patten (1789-1864), an English architect who designed several notable buildings in London, including the National Gallery. 3. Julia Patten (1812-1901), an English author and philanthropist known for her work with the poor in London.

In the 20th century, the name Patten continued to be prominent, with individuals such as:

1. John Patten, Baron Patten of Barnes (born 1945), a British politician who served as the last Governor of Hong Kong from 1992 to 1997. 2. Chris Patten, Baron Patten of Barnes (born 1944), a British politician and former European Commissioner for External Relations.

The Patten surname has a long and rich history in England, spanning centuries and encompassing individuals from various walks of life, including writers, clergymen, politicians, and architects.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Patten families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Patten surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Middlesex leads with 347 Pattens recorded in 1881 and an index of 1.89x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 347 1.89x
Lancashire 242 1.11x
Somerset 214 7.25x
Essex 202 5.58x
Surrey 95 1.06x
Yorkshire 78 0.43x
Staffordshire 73 1.18x
Cheshire 65 1.61x
Northumberland 65 2.38x
Dorset 58 4.82x
Cambridgeshire 52 4.48x
Kent 42 0.67x
Devon 32 0.84x
Glamorgan 28 0.88x
Gloucestershire 27 0.75x
Durham 25 0.46x
Hertfordshire 24 1.90x
Shropshire 22 1.39x
Hampshire 20 0.53x
Norfolk 15 0.53x
Sussex 14 0.45x
Flintshire 13 2.64x
Worcestershire 12 0.50x
Cornwall 11 0.53x
Lincolnshire 11 0.38x
Shetland 9 4.81x
Fife 8 0.74x
Warwickshire 8 0.17x
Renfrewshire 7 0.49x
Channel Islands 6 1.10x
Cumberland 6 0.38x
Lanarkshire 6 0.10x
Royal Navy 6 2.75x
Derbyshire 5 0.17x
Angus 4 0.24x
Midlothian 4 0.16x
Huntingdonshire 3 0.82x
Nottinghamshire 3 0.12x
Wiltshire 3 0.19x
Ayrshire 2 0.15x
Berkshire 2 0.15x
Monmouthshire 2 0.15x
Northamptonshire 2 0.12x
Bedfordshire 1 0.11x
Suffolk 1 0.04x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Shoreditch London in Middlesex leads with 43 Pattens recorded in 1881 and an index of 5.41x.

Place Total Index
Shoreditch London 43 5.41x
Martock 42 218.98x
Bromley London 37 9.18x
Walsall Foreign 33 10.33x
Fulbourn 30 270.03x
West Ham 30 3.76x
West Chinnock 29 1106.87x
Mile End Old Town 28 9.68x
Preston 26 4.47x
Wakes Colne 25 791.14x
Huyton With Roby 24 94.15x
St Pancras London 24 1.63x
Witton Cum Twambrooks 23 63.87x
Bridport 22 88.85x
Islington London 22 1.24x
Hinderwell 21 135.48x
St Marylebone London 21 2.15x
Kensington London 20 1.96x
Lambeth 19 1.19x
Hackney London 18 1.75x
Manchester 18 1.84x
Liverpool 17 1.29x
Middle Chinnock 17 1808.51x
Middlesbrough 17 7.19x
Portland 17 26.28x
Newington 16 2.36x
Roath 16 11.04x
Bedminster 15 5.41x
Wolverhampton 15 3.15x
Yeovil 15 25.02x
Alnwick 14 29.86x
Kelvedon 14 145.23x
Paddington London 14 2.08x
Formby 13 52.78x
Cheadle 12 15.53x
Widnes 12 7.65x
Bermondsey 11 2.02x
Clerkenwell London 11 2.54x
St Botolph Aldgate 11 43.96x
Birkenhead 10 3.10x
Brighton 10 1.60x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 10 2.95x
Crewkerne 10 31.92x
Crompton 10 16.14x
Heeley 10 18.12x
Blackburn 9 1.56x
Chelsea London 9 1.63x
Halstead 9 21.32x
Macclesfield 9 5.00x
Nesting Lunnas Whalsay 9 54.58x
Newcastle On Tyne St John 9 25.10x
Salford 9 1.41x
St George In East 9 7.22x
Tottenham 9 3.08x
Walpole St Peter 9 126.05x
Woolwich 9 3.90x
East Chevington 8 88.20x
Everton 8 1.15x
Gorton 8 3.91x
Holdenhurst 8 8.12x
Ingatestone 8 137.69x
Leslie 8 29.12x
Madeley 8 13.78x
Ramsden Bell House 8 321.29x
Sutton Bingham 8 2500.00x
Toxteth Park 8 1.09x
Bockleton 7 507.25x
Burham 7 81.11x
Chapel 7 311.11x
Fleet 7 83.83x
Gorran 7 120.07x
Isle Abbotts 7 321.10x
Kirkdale 7 1.91x
Limehouse London 7 3.48x
Little Abington 7 421.69x
Plymouth Charles The 7 4.16x
Rotherhithe 7 3.09x
Warrington 7 2.71x
Wednesfield 7 7.69x
West Derby 7 1.10x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Patten surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Patten surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

FAQ

Patten surname: questions and answers

How common was the Patten surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,863 people were recorded with the Patten surname. That placed it at #2,340 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Patten surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 2,646 in 2016. That gives Patten a modern rank of #2,521.

What does the Patten surname mean?

An English occupational surname referring to a maker or seller of pattens, wooden-soled overshoes worn to elevate feet from mud.

What does the Patten map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Patten bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.