Last Name Patry

The surname Patry is of French origin. It comes from the given name Patrice, a diminutive of the Latin name Patricius, which means "nobleman" or "patrician." The name was originally borne by Roman emperors and was popular among the ancient Romans as an honorary title for high-ranking officials. Over time, it evolved into various forms in different regions, with Patry being one of them, particularly common in France.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Patry

The meaning and origin of the last name Patry

The surname Patry is of French origin, derived from the Old French given name 'Patrice', which was itself derived from the Late Latin name 'Patricius'. This name ultimately comes from the Roman family name 'Patricius', meaning 'nobleman, patrician' in Latin. The term 'patrician' referred to a member of the old aristocracy, originally the nobility of ancient Rome. Over time, as families and their names spread across Europe during the Middle Ages, the name Patry came into use as a surname, representing individuals or descendants from various regions in France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Patry

The surname Patry, of French origin, has a concentration primarily in France, particularly in regions such as Normandy, Brittany, and the Rhône-Alpes. It is also found in significant numbers in Quebec, Canada, which reflects historical French colonization. In Europe, smaller populations can be traced in Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, due to migration and cultural assimilation over centuries. In North America, aside from Quebec, the surname Patry is also present in the United States, primarily in states with large French-speaking communities like Louisiana, Maine, and Michigan. Smaller dispersions of the Patry surname can be found worldwide in countries where French immigrants have settled, including South America, Africa, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Patry

The surname Patry, while predominantly French in origin, has several variants and spellings. Some common variations include Patrie, Patrì, Patria, Pátrí, and Patrík (in different languages and dialects). Other possible spellings could be Patrich, Patrick, or even Patryk, which is a more Slavic variation. Additionally, phonetic adaptations may lead to the spelling of Patchi, Patti, or Pathy in some regions. It's also important to note that the name can sometimes be found with diacritics (such as Patrì and Patria) in countries where the use of diacritical marks is customary. These variations and spellings highlight the global dispersal and cultural adaptation of the surname Patry over time.

Famous people with the last name Patry

Notable individuals with the surname Patry include:

1. François Patry (1962-), a Canadian politician who served as Member of Parliament for Montarville from 2008 to 2011 and was elected as a member of the National Assembly of Quebec in 2018.

2. Jean-Baptiste Philibert Patry (1793-1864), a French naval officer who played an important role during the Napoleonic Wars and the French colonial period in Algeria.

3. Pierre Patry (1950-), a Canadian businessman, lawyer, and former politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Montarville from 2004 to 2008.

4. Jean-Marc Patry (1967-), a French rugby union player who played as a lock or flanker for various professional teams throughout his career and was part of the French national team that won the Rugby World Cup in 1999.

5. Louis-Gabriel Patry (1803-1873), a French military officer and politician who served as a member of the National Assembly for the Sarthe department. He was also a prefect, governor of several provinces, and minister under Napoleon III.

Genealogical research on the last name Patry

The surname Patry originates from France, specifically Normandy and Picardy regions. It is a variation of the name Patrick, which itself is derived from the Latin Patricius, meaning 'nobleman'. The first recorded instance of the name in France dates back to the 12th century, with Hugues Patri holding lands in Normandy during the reign of King Henry II of England. Over time, the family spread across northern France, with branches settling in regions such as Picardy and Champagne. The name also migrated with the French colonization of Canada, where it is still prevalent today. Notable individuals bearing the Patry surname include Jean-Baptiste Patry, a French physician and scientist, and Pierre Patry, a Canadian lawyer and politician.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Patry"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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