Patrick
Patrick Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
PAT-rihk
Meaning of Patrick: The name Patrick derives from Latin Patricius, originally a term for members of the Roman patrician class. The root pater meaning "father" underlies the word, with patricians being the descendants of Rome founding fathers.
Saint Patrick himself was born around 385 AD in Roman Britain with the Latin name Patricius.
Furthermore, Patrick owes its global reach to Saint Patrick, the fifth-century missionary who spread Christianity across Ireland. His feast on March 17 became the focal Irish national holiday, celebrated worldwide through the Irish diaspora. The Confession and Letter to Coroticus remain his only surviving writings, both in Latin.
What Does Patrick Mean? Origin & Etymology
Notably, Patrick peaked in the United States in 1964 at rank 29, then eased steadily. The 2024 figure sits at rank 221 with 1,622 births recorded by the Social Security Administration, reflecting the gentle fall of classic Irish Catholic boy names after their mid-century highs.
Across languages, spelling variants include Patrice (French), Patricio (Spanish), Patrizio (Italian), Patrik (Scandinavian, Czech), Padraig (Irish Gaelic), and Patryk (Polish). The Saint Patrick lineage keeps each form in active Catholic and Anglican use across Irish diaspora communities.
The key finding here is regional pattern: Patrick appears most often in Massachusetts, New York, and Illinois as of 2024, reflecting strong Irish American Catholic affinity alongside siblings such as Connor, Sean, and Ryan.
Pronunciation in American English follows PAT-rik, with stress on the opening syllable and a clean two-syllable flow. Common nicknames include Pat, Paddy, Patty, and Rick. The name pairs well with traditional middle names such as James, Michael, or Sean for a balanced Irish Catholic combination.
How Popular Is Patrick?
Numerology & Symbolism of Patrick
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Patrick – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Patrick
What does the name Patrick mean?
Patrick means nobleman or patrician, from Latin patricius, referring to the Roman noble class. The root pater (father) also underlies the words patriarch and patron.
What is the origin of the name Patrick?
Patrick originates from Latin patricius. It entered Irish cultural history through Saint Patrick (c. 385-461 AD), the Romano-British missionary who became Ireland's patron saint, celebrated on March 17.
How popular is the name Patrick in the US?
Patrick ranked #221 among boys in the United States in 2024, according to SSA data. It ranked in the top 50 for boys for much of the 20th century and remains strong in Irish-American families.
Is Patrick an Irish name?
Patrick has Latin roots but is deeply associated with Ireland through Saint Patrick, the country's patron saint. It has been among the most used male names in Ireland and the Irish diaspora for centuries.