Patsy is a vintage female given name that originated as a diminutive of Patricia, which means "noble" or "patrician". It was particularly popular during the mid-20th century, often used in English-speaking countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Today, it may be considered somewhat old-fashioned but still holds historical significance. Some notable figures with this name include Patsy Cline, a renowned American singer, and Patsy Stone, a character from the British sitcom "Absolutely Fabulous".
The given statistics provide a fascinating overview of the usage of the name Patsy over time in the United States.
Starting from the late 19th century, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Patsy each year. The number of births ranged between 12 and 32 from 1880 to 1899. However, it's important to note that these figures may not be entirely accurate due to underreporting or incomplete records during this time.
The early 20th century marked a significant turning point for the name Patsy. Between 1900 and 1923, there was a notable rise in popularity, with the number of births ranging from 49 to 334. This indicates that the name began to gain traction during this period.
The 1920s and 1930s saw an unprecedented boom in the usage of the name Patsy. From 1924 onwards, the number of annual births with the name Patsy consistently exceeded 500. The peak was reached in 1936 and 1937, with 4196 and 4243 births respectively. This period can be considered the heyday of the name Patsy.
However, as is common with many names, popularity began to wane after reaching its zenith. From the late 1940s onwards, there was a gradual decrease in the number of babies named Patsy each year. Between 1950 and 1967, the annual births ranged from 2930 to 367.
The latter half of the 20th century saw a further decline in the popularity of the name Patsy. From 1968 onwards, the number of annual births consistently fell below 500. This trend continued into the early 21st century, with only a handful of births each year being named Patsy.
Despite this decline in popularity, it is clear that the name Patsy has left its mark on American naming history. At its peak, thousands of babies were named Patsy each year, indicating that it was a popular choice among parents during the early to mid-20th century. However, as tastes and trends have changed over time, so too has the popularity of the name Patsy.
In recent years, there has been some resurgence in interest in the name Patsy, with a slight increase in births from 2016 onwards. This could indicate that the name is once again beginning to regain some popularity among parents choosing names for their children. Only time will tell whether this trend continues and becomes more pronounced.
In conclusion, the statistics provided offer a compelling narrative of the ebb and flow of the name Patsy's popularity in the United States over time. They serve as a fascinating insight into how tastes and trends have shifted throughout history, providing valuable context for understanding the cultural significance of names.