The name Patty is a diminutive form of the feminine given name Patricia, which is derived from the Latin name Patricius, meaning "nobleman." It is believed to have originated in ancient Rome, where Patricius was a designation for a member of the patrician class, the elite ruling class of the Roman Republic and Empire.

The name Patty gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly in regions influenced by Latin culture, such as Italy, Spain, and France. One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Patty can be found in medieval Italian literature, where it was often used as a nickname or affectionate form of Patricia.

In the 12th century, Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was known as Patricius in Latin, which contributed to the popularity of the name in Ireland and other parts of the British Isles. The name Patty became a common diminutive form in these regions.

Notable historical figures named Patty include Patty Hearst, an American socialite and heiress who was famously kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army in 1974. Patty Duke, born in 1946, was an American actress best known for her role in the 1960s sitcom "The Patty Duke Show."

In the realm of literature, Patty Fairfield was a character in Louisa May Alcott's novel "Little Women," published in 1868. Patty Jenkins, born in 1971, is an American film director known for her work on the critically acclaimed Wonder Woman movies.

Another notable bearer of the name is Patty Sheehan, an American professional golfer born in 1956, who won numerous tournaments and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2022.