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Patsy Unisex

Popularity: #933 · Trend: → Stable

Origin(s)

PronunciationPAT-see / /ˈpætsi/

English; diminutive of Patricia

Meaning

Noble; noblewoman

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Patsy is derived from the name Patricia, which has its roots in the Latin name Patricius, meaning "noble" or "nobleman." The evolution of the name can be traced from Latin to early Christian usage, where it became popularized in various forms across different cultures. In the early medieval period, Patricia was adopted into Old French as "Patrice," which later influenced the English form Patricia. The diminutive Patsy emerged as a familiar or affectionate form of Patricia, particularly in English-speaking countries, during the 19th century.

Historically, the name Patricia gained prominence through its association with several saints, most notably Saint Patricia, a 5th-century saint venerated in the Christian tradition. The name's usage was further solidified in the English-speaking world through the translation of religious texts and the influence of notable figures. The name Patricia was popularized in the 20th century, partly due to its use in literature and media, which contributed to the affectionate diminutive Patsy becoming more recognized.

Culturally, Patsy carries connotations of warmth and familiarity, often used in a friendly or endearing context. The name has been associated with various cultural references, including literature and film, where characters named Patsy often embody traits of loyalty and kindness. This cultural resonance has helped the name endure over time, maintaining its presence in various forms of artistic expression. The name's evolution reflects broader trends in naming practices, where diminutive forms often arise as expressions of affection and intimacy.

Trend Summary

Patsy has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Pat
  • Patty

International Variants

  • Patricia (Spanish)
  • Patrícia (Portuguese)

Famous people named Patsy

Patsy Cline is a singer best known for Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, and Walkin' After Midnight.

Patsy Palmer is an actress best known for EastEnders, The Perfect Murder, and Celebrity Big Brother.

Patsy Kensit is an actress and singer best known for Lethal Weapon 2, Absolute Beginners, and Emmerdale.

Fictional characters named Patsy

Patsy Stone is a fictional character from the TV series Absolutely Fabulous. She is a flamboyant and hedonistic best friend of the main character, Edina Monsoon.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Patsy was first seen in the United States in 1880. Patsy has ranked as high as #100 nationally, which occurred in 1941, and has been most popular in North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Georgia. In the past 5 years the name Patsy has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Patsy (2022)

StateBirthsShare
TX 7
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188015
188112
188217
188320
188421
188521
188620
188720
188822
188925
189015
189122
189220
189322
189431
189521
189623
189722
189832
189921
190049
190129
190234
190320
190431
190541
190641
190740
190850
190950
191073
191168
191299
191383
191494
1915128
1916125
1917191
1918177
1919168
1920195
1921236
1922277
1923334
1924520
1925706
1926993
19271,302
19281,623
19292,042
19302,544
19312,869
19323,254
19333,451
19343,750
19353,797
19364,196
19374,243
19384,261
19394,110
19404,078
19414,788
19424,559
19434,355
19443,729
19453,350
19464,016
19474,344
19483,714
19493,347
19502,930
19512,905
19522,826
19532,591
19542,279
19552,013
19561,799
19571,609
19581,453
19591,329
19601,107
19611,017
1962898
1963892
1964817
1965576
1966498
1967452
1968367
1969295
1970322
1971264
1972214
1973203
1974186
1975143
1976122
197796
1978100
197996
198084
198194
198276
198379
198467
198581
198682
198783
1988102
198996
1990110
1991103
199278
199378
199478
199555
199656
199744
199847
199941
200030
200137
200230
200346
200413
200525
200624
200714
200821
200917
201017
201112
201222
201313
201417
201516
201616
201715
201811
201911
202017
202120
202217
202318
202417