Patsy appears 58 times in the registries at rank 1749, strongly female. The name carries a rich and contradictory set of associations: Patsy Cline (the country music legend), Patsy Stone from Absolutely Fabulous (the glamorous, substance-abusing fashion editor), and the general British slang meaning "a person who is easily deceived or blamed" — all in one compact two-syllable name.
The Two Patsys
Patsy Cline and Patsy Stone represent opposite poles of what the name can communicate: one is warm vulnerability and extraordinary vocal talent, the other is magnificent self-destruction dressed in Chanel. A cat named Patsy probably channels the AbFab reading; a dog named Patsy probably channels Cline's warmth. Both are valid and both are chosen with some cultural awareness by owners who know at least one of the references. Loretta and Dolly are its country-register companions.
The Vintage Quality
Patsy is a name that peaked in the 1940s and 1950s in human naming, which gives it the same vintage appeal as Blanche, Norma, or Mabel in the pet registry. It feels deliberate rather than dated when chosen today. Browse the pet names hub for similar vintage-feminine picks.
Counter-Reading
The British slang "patsy" (a dupe or fall guy) is a real meaning that some visitors may mention. It's not a serious objection — the name's musical associations are far stronger — but owners should know it exists in the vocabulary.