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Paterson, one T, is the usual Scottish spelling, though the double-T is also found. Double-T Patterson is also Northern English, particularly strong in Cumbria, an English county that borders with Scotland.
Patrick was a favourite name among the Scots before Calvinism became the national form of christianity. After that the names of Celtic saints were discouraged, as they were associated with holidays, miracles and holy relics, all frowned on. But Patrick has given the Scots many surnames; Paton, Patrick, Pate, Petrie, MacFetridge, etc.
The Irish, on the other hand, didn't take to the name Patrick until about 1700. They didn't like to use saints' names, though a couple of "Norman" families, Fitzmaurice and Sarsfield, used it. It's said that the Irish took up the name after the death of their great hero, Patrick Sarsfield.

• Patterson - Lumiereslove  Dec 3 2006, 1:05:30 PM
  • Re: Patterson - Jim Young  Dec 4 2006, 2:02:45 AM
    • Re: Patterson - Sean Foglai  Dec 20 2006, 9:08:04 PM
      • Re: Patterson - Jim Young  Dec 21 2006, 11:28:07 AM