Surname Van Patten - Meaning and Origin
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Van Patten: What does the surname Van Patten mean?
Van Patten is a Dutch surname of occupational origin. The name is derived from the Middle Dutch words "pat", meaning "path or road", and "patten", which refers to wooden-soled overshoes traditionally worn by Dutch people. It is frequently combined with "van", meaning "from", to designate someone who lived near or worked on a road. Hence, the name Van Patten can be roughly translated to "from the path" or "from the road". It was most likely given to individuals who lived near a main road or critical path in a village or town, or possibly to individuals whose occupation required them to travel frequently, like traders or messengers. Like many surnames, the exact origins of the name can be traced back many centuries so the specific details may vary.
Order DNA origin analysisVan Patten: Where does the name Van Patten come from?
The last name Van Patten is most common in areas with large Dutch populations, mainly in the Netherlands and Belgium. In the United States, the name is most prominent in the Midwest and parts of New England such as Minnesota and Wisconsin. It is also prevalent in Pennsylvania and New York.
The first Van Patten family to emigrate to the United States arrived during the 1600s. Many of the Van Patten descendants are of Dutch-Jewish heritage and many of them settled in the previously established Dutch enclaves in New York. It is believed that those in Pennsylvania may have once been members of an original Van Patten family that lived in the Dutch colony of New Netherland from 1624-1664.
In more recent times, the Van Patten name has gained a higher profile due to its association with renowned American actor, Dick Van Patten. His prominence has led to increased recognition for the surname, which may account for why it remains common today.
There are various spellings of the name Van Patten, including Van Patten, Van Petten, Van Pettin, Van Peden and Vandeputte and, while the surname is not especially common, it remains a staple of families with European roots living in the United States and Europe.
Variations of the surname Van Patten
The Van Patten surname is of Dutch origin and translates to mean “son of Pater”, Pater being a Dutch name meaning father. The surname also has several variations and spellings, including van Patter, van Pattel, and van Pattin. Additionally, related surnames include Paton, Patton, Pattemore, Pattey, Pattin, Pattison, and Patin.
The earliest recorded occurrence of the Van Patten surname dates back to 1203 when a Dutchman by the name of Jan van Patten showed up in the parish register of Plymouth in England. Since then, several generations of Van Patten descendants have spread throughout Europe and the United States.
In the United States, the spelling of Van Patten is especially popular and is commonly associated with members of the famous Van Patten family from New York, which includes actor Dick Van Patten.
Since the Americanization of their Dutch surname, the Van Patten family have embodied their original Dutch heritage with pride. As such, several members of this family have honorifically kept the Dutch spelling of their surname for generations.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Van Patten is also a popular Dutch surname in the Netherlands, as several members of the Royal Family of Orange have adopted the extensive Van Patten surname in recent history. This highlights how successful the surname has become in the United States and other countries alike.
Famous people with the name Van Patten
- Dick Van Patten: was an American actor best known for his role as patriarch Tom Bradford on the ABC television series Eight is Enough.
- Vince Van Patten: is an American actor and professional tennis player best known for roles in films such as Escape from Witch Mountain and Johnny Dangerously.
- Nels Van Patten: was an American actor, best known for playing a lead role on the television series Family Affair, and for appearing in films such as The Cat from Outer Space.
- Joyce van Patten: is an American actress who has appeared in numerous television shows, films, and stage productions.
- Peter Van Patten: is an American former child actor and producer, best known for his role as junior detective Peter Johnson on The New Leave It to Beaver.
- Timothy Van Patten: is an American actor, television director, and screenwriter.
- Jordan Van Patten: is an American actor who is best known for playing Jay on Magic Kids.
- Teresa Van Patten: is an American actress and voice-over artist, best known for her performance as Stephanie Matodoras in the television series Bay Watch.
- Jenna Van Patten: is an American actress and model best known for her roles on television programs such as Charmed, CSI: Miami, and Judging Amy.
- Scott Van Patten: is an American actor best known for his roles in the horror films House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects, and Maniac Cop.