Last Name Patin

The surname Patin has roots that can be traced back to various regions, primarily France and Spain, due to its French and Basque origins. In France, it is derived from a nickname for someone who was skillful at working with leather or metal, as "patine" means patina in French, which refers to a thin layer of oxidation on a surface that creates a protective coating or sheen. The surname could have been given to someone who worked with metals or hides and developed this type of coating. In Spain, Patin is a Basque surname originating from the village of Ituren in Navarra. It's thought to be derived from the Basque word "pati" meaning 'courtyard' or 'yard'. The name has also been found in England, possibly due to French Norman influence during the medieval period.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Patin

The meaning and origin of the last name Patin

The surname Patin is of French origin, derived from a variety of sources. It may have come from the Old French word "paten," which meant a large, flat dish used for serving food, or from the Middle French word "patene," meaning priest's plate or paten. In some cases, it could also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a shallow pool or pond, as "patin" is the French word for 'shallow.' The surname Patin first appeared in Normandy and then spread to other parts of France during the Middle Ages due to migrations and conquests. It was later brought to England by the Norman conquest in 1066 and eventually to other English-speaking countries such as Ireland, Scotland, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Patin

The surname Patin has a predominant presence in France, particularly in the region of Brittany where it is considered a Breton toponymic surname derived from various locations such as Patou, Pateau, and other places bearing that name. Additionally, the name is found in significant numbers in Quebec, Canada, due to historical French immigration. In the United States, Louisiana has a substantial percentage of individuals with the last name Patin, likely due to French colonization and settlement. The surname can also be found in smaller quantities in other countries like Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal, demonstrating a broader European origin. However, it is important to note that the distribution can vary greatly depending on specific regions within these countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Patin

The surname Patin can have various spellings and slight variations due to different regional dialects or transcription errors over time. Here are some common spelling variations:

* Patin
* Patteyn
* Patijn
* Pattyn
* Patton (originally derived from the French 'Patin')
* Petten
* Paten
* Patijn-Steenkamp

These variants originate from France, where the name is a topographic surname for someone who lived near a paved or pebbled place, derived from the Old French word "patene" or "patee," meaning pavement, flat stone, or slab. The name may also be of Dutch origin and could mean "shallow water" or "muddy place." In some cases, it may be a metonymic occupational surname for a skater or an ice-skate maker.

Famous people with the last name Patin

The Patin family is notably represented by several renowned figures in various fields. In music, Harry Patin was an American jazz saxophonist and clarinetist who played with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and other notable musicians. Notably, his son, Kidd Jordan, also a jazz saxophonist, has gained recognition for his collaborations with artists such as Ornette Coleman, Pharoah Sanders, and David Murray.

In the world of politics, John Patin was a prominent figure in Louisiana politics, serving as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1936 to 1940. More recently, Joe Patin, an American politician, has served as a California Assemblyman since 2020.

In sports, Leroy "Satchel" Paige, although not typically listed under the last name Patin, is often associated with the family. Born Leroy Eugene Williams, he changed his name to pay tribute to a childhood friend named Patin. Paige, a pitcher in Major League Baseball, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.

These individuals have contributed significantly to their respective fields and continue to be recognized for their accomplishments.

Genealogical research on the last name Patin

The surname Patin is of French origin and is believed to have been derived from various locations named Paty or Patou in Normandy and Brittany. Early records show that the name was primarily concentrated in these regions, with notable mentions dating back to the 13th century. As French colonization expanded, so did the dispersion of the surname Patin, especially during the 17th and 18th centuries when many French migrants settled in Canada, particularly in Quebec. In the United States, the name Patin can be traced to the Louisiana territory, as several families bearing the name were among the first European settlers there in the late 1600s and early 1700s. Today, the surname Patin is most prevalent in France, Quebec, and Louisiana, with significant numbers also found in other parts of North America, Europe, and South America. Genealogical research on this name often focuses on tracing its French origins or following its migration patterns during colonial times.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Patin"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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