Last Name Paty

The surname Paty is of French origin. It is derived from a nickname meaning "peasant," "farmer," or "landworker." In Old French, "pat" meant "mud" and was used as a term for someone who worked the soil. Over time, this became a nickname and eventually evolved into a surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Paty

The meaning and origin of the last name Paty

The surname Paty is of French origin, derived from the occupational name "patissier" which means 'pastry cook' in French. It is also a diminutive form of the given names Patrice or Patrick. This surname was brought to England by the Normans after their conquest in 1066 and has since been found in various regions, including Normandy, Brittany, and Paris. Over time, it has taken on various spellings, such as Patey, Patee, and Pattee, due to variations in transcription and translation. The name is relatively uncommon outside of France but can be found among French-speaking communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Paty

The surname Paty is predominantly found in France, with significant concentrations in Brittany and Normandy regions, reflecting its French origin. It is also present in other French-speaking countries like Quebec, Canada, and some parts of Belgium and Switzerland due to historical migrations. In the English-speaking world, it can be found among French immigrants, particularly in the United States and the UK. The name is less common in other parts of the world, though there may be isolated instances due to adoptions or mis-transliterations during immigration events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Paty

The surname Paty has various spelling variants, which may have originated due to differences in transcription, translation, or regional pronunciation over time. Some common variants include Patti, Patee, Pattee, Patty, and Pattie. These variants may be more prevalent in different regions or countries, although the exact distribution can vary. It's important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a separate origin or ethnicity for individuals bearing them; instead, they often result from differences in spelling conventions over time and across cultures. Additionally, some of these spellings may have alternative meanings unrelated to the surname Paty. For example, "Patty" can also be a diminutive form of Patricia.

Famous people with the last name Paty

Prominent individuals with the surname Paty include:

1. Philippe Patiño y Bru (1862-1947), a Spanish painter known for his landscapes and depictions of everyday life.

2. Jacques Paty (born 1939), a French mathematician, specializing in number theory and algebraic geometry.

3. Jean-Baptiste Charles Bourguignon d'Orléans de Paty de Marigny (1757-1817), a French military officer and politician who served as the Minister of War during the French Revolution.

4. Marc Paty (born 1965), a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League for teams like the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Ottawa Senators.

5. Olivier Paty (born 1970), a French economist and civil servant who served as the Principal Private Secretary to President Emmanuel Macron from 2017 until his death in October 2020.

6. Thomas Patey, an English mathematician known for his work on random matrices and integrable systems.

Notably, the surname "Paty" is a variant of the French name "Pâturage", meaning "meadow" or "pasture".

Genealogical research on the last name Paty

The Paty surname, originating from France, is primarily found in Normandy and Brittany regions. It is derived from a topographical name for someone who lived by a patch of land or a small enclosed field, or an occupational name for a gatekeeper or guardian of a toll-gate. The name has several variations such as Patey, Pattee, and Patty.

One notable bearer of the name is Charles Louis Alphonse Paty (1839-1887), a French astronomer who discovered numerous asteroids. In England, Thomas Paty (died 1634) was a prominent antiquarian and chronicler. The Paty family in North America can be traced back to Samuel Paty, who settled in Massachusetts in the 17th century.

The Paty family history spans across continents and centuries, reflecting various occupations and accomplishments, yet retaining a connection to their origin in France.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "paty"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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