Fun Facts About the Name Paton
- 87 babies named Paton: U.S. records list 87 babies given the name Paton from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Paton Mean?
Paton is a Scottish and northern English surname used as a given name. It is a diminutive of the medieval personal name Patrick, so its usual meaning is "little Patrick" or "son of Patrick." Patrick comes from Latin Patricius, meaning "nobleman" or "patrician," but that is the meaning of the parent name rather than a separate sense of Paton. The ending -on is a diminutive suffix attached to the short form Pat or Pate.
Paton Name History & Origins
Paton arose in Scotland and northern England as a surname formed from the common personal name Patrick and its pet forms. In medieval usage, Pat and Pate were everyday short forms, and names such as Paton identified a younger bearer or a son. The surname is long established in Scotland, where the spelling Patoun also appears in older records.
As a first name, Paton is uncommon and is best explained as a transferred surname. It has occasional use in English-speaking countries, often preserving a family surname. The South African writer Alan Paton is a prominent bearer of the surname, but his prominence is a literary association, not the origin of the name.
How Popular is the Name Paton?
Paton has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2005. Its best rank was #6,068 in 1975.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | #11,838 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2015 | #11,730 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2013 | #13,558 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2011 | #11,891 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2010 | #13,745 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2009 | #10,677 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2008 | #12,186 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2007 | #13,879 | 5 | 0.0002% |
| 2005 | #8,895 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 2002 | #9,142 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1998 | #9,328 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1997 | #10,391 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1996 | #10,120 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1993 | #9,776 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1975 | #6,068 | 5 | 0.0003% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
Most Popular Boy Names That Start with P
Short Boy Names That Start with P
How the Name Paton Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You have a power of expression, either in speaking or writing. You are in favor for studying and research. You are clever, clear-sighted and intellectual. You don't like to let others know your true feelings. You might be atheistic or agnostic. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and interested in research. You know what you want and why you want it.
Creative and outgoing, you are always looking for an opportunity to show your abilities, especially before audience. You are very flexible and like to feel appreciated. You are looking for chances to mix with others socially and to communicate your ideas. You like to talk and can easily relate to different cultures and concepts. The biggest challenge for you is uncertainty. Easily getting bored, you can move from one job to another, switch projects and lovers. The high creative force can lead you either to happiness or unhappiness. If you understand your goals, if you can make major decisions in life and follow it directly and straight up without worry and uncertainty, you are able to achieve great heights.
✦ Paton's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Paton's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.