NameCensus.

UK surname

Pattinson

An occupational surname derived from the Anglo-Saxon for a son of Patrick.

In the 1881 census there were 2,680 people recorded with the Pattinson surname, ranking it #1,658 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 3,723, ranked #1,826, down from #1,658 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, Carlisle St Cuthbert and Wigton. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Copeland and Allerdale.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Pattinson is 3,787 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 38.9%.

1881 census count

2,680

Ranked #1,658

Modern count

3,723

2016, ranked #1,826

Peak year

2014

3,787 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Pattinson had 2,680 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #1,658 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 3,723 in 2016, ranked #1,826.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 3,205 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Pattinson surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Pattinson surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Pattinson 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 1,812 #1,587
1861 historical 1,854 #1,563
1881 historical 2,680 #1,658
1891 historical 2,784 #1,693
1901 historical 3,205 #1,748
1911 historical 3,173 #1,643
1997 modern 3,537 #1,830
1998 modern 3,751 #1,796
1999 modern 3,737 #1,816
2000 modern 3,702 #1,822
2001 modern 3,635 #1,814
2002 modern 3,739 #1,814
2003 modern 3,545 #1,865
2004 modern 3,547 #1,864
2005 modern 3,517 #1,857
2006 modern 3,525 #1,854
2007 modern 3,526 #1,870
2008 modern 3,550 #1,865
2009 modern 3,651 #1,863
2010 modern 3,712 #1,872
2011 modern 3,704 #1,855
2012 modern 3,657 #1,843
2013 modern 3,749 #1,828
2014 modern 3,787 #1,821
2015 modern 3,734 #1,825
2016 modern 3,723 #1,826

Geography

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Where Pattinsons are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, Carlisle St Cuthbert, Wigton, Gateshead and Stanhope. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Copeland and Allerdale. 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 Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside Durham
2 Carlisle St Cuthbert Cumberland
3 Wigton Cumberland
4 Gateshead Durham
5 Stanhope Durham

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Copeland 008 Copeland
2 Allerdale 003 Allerdale
3 Allerdale 004 Allerdale
4 Allerdale 002 Allerdale
5 Allerdale 001 Allerdale

Forenames

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First names often paired with Pattinson

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Pattinson

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Pattinson, 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 Pattinson surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Rural Amenity, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Pattinson 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

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Pattinson is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. 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 located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Pattinson is most concentrated in decile 1 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the less healthy 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.

1
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Pattinson falls in decile 4 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.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Pattinson is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

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

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Pattinson

The surname Pattinson is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name Pāting or Pātting, and the suffix "-son" meaning son of. The name is believed to have originated in the northern counties of England, particularly Northumberland and Durham, in the 11th or 12th century.

The earliest recorded instance of the name can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Northumberland in 1208, where it appears as "Patingsune". Over time, the name evolved into various spellings such as Pattingson, Pattinson, and Pattison.

One of the earliest notable mentions of the name is in the Hundred Rolls of Yorkshire in 1273, which lists a "William Pattyngsone". This record suggests that the name was already well-established in the region by the 13th century.

During the Middle Ages, the Pattinson family held land and property in the village of Pattinson, located in the parish of Ovingham, Northumberland. This village likely took its name from the family, indicating their long-standing presence in the area.

In the 16th century, the Pattinson name appears in the Visitation of Yorkshire, a record of the gentry and nobility of the county. One notable figure from this period is Thomas Pattinson, born in 1540, who was a wealthy landowner and member of the gentry in Yorkshire.

The 17th century saw the rise of several prominent Pattinsons, including John Pattinson (1623-1698), an English clergyman and author who served as the Rector of Stanhope in County Durham. Another notable figure was Robert Pattinson (1670-1735), a successful merchant and landowner in Northumberland.

In the 19th century, the Pattinson name gained further prominence with individuals such as Hugh Lee Pattinson (1796-1858), a renowned English chemist and industrialist who made significant contributions to the field of metallurgy. He was born in Alston, Cumbria, and his inventions revolutionized the lead smelting industry.

Another notable Pattinson from this era was John Pattinson (1828-1906), a wealthy coal owner and philanthropist from Northumberland. He established several educational institutions and donated generously to various charitable causes in the region.

As the Pattinson family spread throughout England and beyond, the name became associated with various professions and achievements. Some other notable individuals bearing the Pattinson surname include John Pattinson (1829-1915), a British architect who designed several notable buildings in London, and Henry Pattinson (1856-1929), a pioneer in the field of aviation who constructed one of the earliest successful powered aircraft in the United Kingdom.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Pattinson families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Pattinson 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. Cumberland leads with 914 Pattinsons recorded in 1881 and an index of 40.61x.

County Total Index
Cumberland 914 40.61x
Durham 457 5.88x
Northumberland 264 6.79x
Yorkshire 250 0.97x
Lancashire 222 0.72x
Westmorland 186 32.37x
Lincolnshire 75 1.79x
Middlesex 48 0.18x
Staffordshire 44 0.50x
Cheshire 27 0.47x
Derbyshire 20 0.49x
Surrey 19 0.15x
Dumfriesshire 16 2.77x
Glamorgan 13 0.29x
Devon 12 0.22x
Nottinghamshire 11 0.31x
Lanarkshire 10 0.12x
Essex 9 0.17x
Merionethshire 9 1.88x
Midlothian 8 0.23x
Warwickshire 8 0.12x
Hampshire 7 0.13x
Kirkcudbrightshire 6 1.59x
Northamptonshire 6 0.24x
Somerset 6 0.14x
Berwickshire 5 1.58x
Denbighshire 5 0.51x
Gloucestershire 3 0.06x
Hertfordshire 3 0.17x
Leicestershire 3 0.10x
Norfolk 3 0.07x
Renfrewshire 3 0.15x
Sussex 3 0.07x
Argyllshire 1 0.14x
Buckinghamshire 1 0.06x
Cambridgeshire 1 0.06x
Kent 1 0.01x
Rutland 1 0.52x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Penrith in Cumberland leads with 91 Pattinsons recorded in 1881 and an index of 109.44x.

Place Total Index
Penrith 91 109.44x
Patterdale 63 992.13x
Gateshead 52 8.93x
St Cuthbert W O 52 47.40x
Caldewgate 49 39.73x
Dearham 46 154.93x
Stanhope 45 56.03x
Elswick 43 13.85x
Alston 39 94.02x
Wigton 34 100.74x
Haltwhistle 32 169.58x
Ruskington 30 281.43x
Workington 30 23.28x
Heworth 29 18.92x
West Derby 27 2.97x
Shildon 25 40.00x
Medomsley 22 60.64x
Stanwix 22 120.75x
Aspatria 21 97.04x
Crosscanonby 21 28.21x
Hexham 21 34.88x
Bowness 20 229.62x
Bowness Drumburg 20 550.96x
Manningham 20 6.27x
Preston Quarter 18 28.54x
Rickergate 18 37.79x
Cleator 17 18.14x
Drigg Carleton 17 335.31x
Longbenton 17 10.32x
Cockermouth 16 33.77x
Dalton In Furness 16 13.36x
Holme Abbey 16 190.25x
Sheffield 16 1.94x
St Mary Within 16 56.90x
Tanfield 16 17.30x
Urswick 16 138.89x
Wolsingham 16 22.57x
Sculcoates 15 3.65x
Undermilbeck 15 79.20x
Westgate 15 6.23x
Dalston Buckabank 14 307.02x
Hensingham 14 76.13x
Kirkby Thore 14 301.72x
Muggleswick 14 185.92x
Skelton In Guisbrough 14 19.98x
Stockton On Tees 14 3.73x
Whitehaven 14 11.67x
Burgh By Sands 13 178.57x
Cornsay 13 62.08x
Great Clifton 13 149.08x
Guisbrough 13 22.96x
Church Coniston 12 137.93x
Farlam 12 84.69x
Hartleyburn 12 254.78x
Bishop Auckland 11 10.54x
Bridekirk 11 61.18x
Coanwood 11 696.20x
Coedfrank 11 34.88x
Conside Knitsley 11 18.19x
Ellenborough Ewanrigg 11 70.47x
Everton 11 1.11x
Fulham London 11 2.90x
Holy Trinity 11 1.77x
Newcastle On Tyne St 11 5.46x
Redcar 11 53.50x
Stainton 11 146.08x
Ulverston 11 12.17x
Allhallows 10 151.06x
Gosberton 10 53.85x
Henshaw 10 224.22x
High Barton 10 301.20x
Macclesfield 10 3.90x
Nether Hallam 10 2.85x
Woodland 10 193.80x
Bradford 9 1.44x
Elvet 9 16.03x
Hackney London 9 0.61x
Ovingham Whittle Spital 9 152.28x
Parton 9 67.77x
Seaton 9 34.27x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 259
Sarah 116
Elizabeth 114
Jane 98
Margaret 90
Ann 74
Hannah 45
Isabella 36
Annie 34
Alice 32
Martha 25
Ellen 21
Emma 17
Emily 16
Catherine 15
Frances 14
Eliza 12
Agnes 11
Fanny 11
Eleanor 10
Anne 9
Dorothy 8
Esther 8
Kate 8
Lucy 8
Ada 7
Edith 7
Harriet 7
Betsy 6
Charlotte 6
Grace 6
Maria 6
Ruth 6
Dinah 5
Ethel 5
Florence 5
Louisa 5
Susannah 5
Barbara 4
Bertha 4
Elizth. 4
Lizzie 4
Margt. 4
Nancy 4
Phoebe 4
Clara 3
Helen 3
Helena 3
Henrietta 3
Jessie 3

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 269
William 157
Joseph 123
Thomas 123
Robert 76
George 69
James 55
Henry 29
Charles 25
Isaac 23
Matthew 18
Richard 18
Edward 16
Samuel 14
Hugh 12
Arthur 10
Tom 10
Thos. 9
Frederick 8
Wm. 8
Abraham 7
Albert 7
Alfred 7
Benjamin 6
Christopher 6
David 5
Frank 5
Geo. 5
Herbert 5
Walter 5
Andrew 4
Harrison 4
Jacob 4
Jas. 4
Lancelot 4
Mark 4
Michael 4
Ralph 4
Francis 3
Harry 3
Johnson 3
Jonathan 3
Wilson 3
Adam 2
Hedley 2
Jno. 2
Job 2
Peter 2
Reginald 2
Robt. 2

FAQ

Pattinson surname: questions and answers

How common was the Pattinson surname in 1881?

In 1881, 2,680 people were recorded with the Pattinson surname. That placed it at #1,658 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Pattinson surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 3,723 in 2016. That gives Pattinson a modern rank of #1,826.

What does the Pattinson surname mean?

An occupational surname derived from the Anglo-Saxon for a son of Patrick.

What does the Pattinson map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Pattinson 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.