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Patrick Boy

Popularity: #210 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationPAT-rik / /ˈpætrɪk/

Latin; Irish

Meaning

Latin: nobleman; Irish: from Patricius

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Patrick derives from the Latin name Patricius, which means "noble" or "of noble birth." This Latin term itself is rooted in the word "patricius," referring to a member of the patrician class in ancient Rome. The name entered the English language through the Old French form, "Patrice," during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, which facilitated the integration of many Latin-derived names into English vernacular.

Historically, the name Patrick is most famously associated with Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who lived during the 5th century. He is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and is celebrated for his missionary work and the legend of using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. The earliest references to Saint Patrick appear in hagiographies written in the 7th century, and his feast day is observed on March 17. The name gained significant prominence in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, particularly during the Middle Ages, as a result of the saint's enduring legacy.

Culturally, the name Patrick has come to symbolize various attributes, including nobility, leadership, and religious devotion. It has been embraced in various forms across different cultures, with diminutives such as Paddy and Pat emerging in English-speaking contexts. The name's association with Saint Patrick has also led to its adoption in various celebrations and traditions, particularly those related to Irish heritage, reinforcing its significance in cultural identity and historical narrative.

Trend Summary

The name Patrick has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Pat
  • Paddy

International Variants

  • Patrice (French)
  • Patrizio (Italian)
  • Patrik (Swedish)
  • Pádraig (Irish)

Famous people named Patrick

Patrick Stewart is an actor best known for Star Trek: The Next Generation, X-Men, and Macbeth.

Patrick Dempsey is an actor best known for Grey's Anatomy, Enchanted, and Made of Honor.

Patrick Swayze is an actor best known for Dirty Dancing, Ghost, and Road House.

Patrick Mahomes is a professional football player best known for his role as quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs and winning Super Bowl LIV.

Patrick Ewing is a former professional basketball player best known for his time with the New York Knicks and being a two-time Olympic gold medalist.

Patrick Rothfuss is an author best known for The Name of the Wind, The Wise Man's Fear, and The Slow Regard of Silent Things.

Patrick Wilson is an actor best known for The Conjuring, Insidious, and Little Children.

Patrick McGoohan was an actor best known for The Prisoner, Danger Man, and The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh.

Patrick Kane is a professional ice hockey player best known for his time with the Chicago Blackhawks and winning multiple Stanley Cups.

Patrick Star is a fictional character best known as a main character in the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants.

Fictional characters named Patrick

Patrick Star is a fictional character from the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. He is SpongeBob's best friend and a pink sea star known for his goofy personality and simple-mindedness.

Patrick Jane is a fictional character from the TV series The Mentalist. He is a former psychic medium turned consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation, known for his keen observational skills and charm.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Patrick was first seen in the United States in 1880. Patrick has ranked as high as #56 nationally, which occurred in 1964, and has been most popular in New York, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Patrick has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Patrick (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 122
8%
CA 115
8%
NY 114
8%
PA 108
7%
IL 89
6%
MA 66
4%
FL 65
4%
VA 61
4%
OH 56
4%
NC 50
3%
GA 49
3%
MI 49
3%
MO 42
3%
MD 41
3%
MN 36
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880248
1881188
1882249
1883213
1884222
1885217
1886249
1887218
1888245
1889236
1890227
1891212
1892234
1893234
1894229
1895233
1896214
1897210
1898219
1899221
1900285
1901181
1902203
1903210
1904226
1905193
1906213
1907215
1908216
1909199
1910254
1911272
1912430
1913502
1914633
1915704
1916802
1917836
1918871
1919816
1920877
19211,001
19221,019
19231,055
19241,121
19251,153
19261,219
19271,253
19281,320
19291,442
19301,531
19311,570
19321,579
19331,573
19341,704
19351,665
19361,855
19372,090
19382,292
19392,530
19402,883
19413,155
19423,804
19433,848
19443,883
19453,853
19465,305
19476,621
19487,192
19498,074
19508,180
19518,752
19529,175
19539,469
19549,928
19559,871
195610,326
195710,354
195810,244
195910,557
196010,348
196111,056
196210,498
196312,069
196414,694
196512,931
196612,407
196712,973
196813,058
196912,679
197011,734
197110,810
19729,275
19738,483
19748,137
19758,053
19767,642
19778,306
19788,831
19799,980
198010,354
198110,384
198210,697
198310,874
198411,526
198511,641
198611,409
198711,143
198811,401
198911,988
199012,378
199112,413
199211,409
19939,857
19949,336
19958,674
19968,193
19977,490
19986,735
19996,447
20006,297
20015,786
20025,153
20034,789
20044,441
20054,044
20063,947
20073,736
20083,339
20093,250
20103,139
20112,867
20122,823
20132,598
20142,680
20152,535
20162,360
20172,304
20182,123
20191,880
20201,863
20211,791
20221,716
20231,600
20241,622