Patrick Boy
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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 122 | |
CA | 115 | |
NY | 114 | |
PA | 108 | |
IL | 89 | |
MA | 66 | |
FL | 65 | |
VA | 61 | |
OH | 56 | |
NC | 50 | |
GA | 49 | |
MI | 49 | |
MO | 42 | |
MD | 41 | |
MN | 36 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 248 |
1881 | 188 |
1882 | 249 |
1883 | 213 |
1884 | 222 |
1885 | 217 |
1886 | 249 |
1887 | 218 |
1888 | 245 |
1889 | 236 |
1890 | 227 |
1891 | 212 |
1892 | 234 |
1893 | 234 |
1894 | 229 |
1895 | 233 |
1896 | 214 |
1897 | 210 |
1898 | 219 |
1899 | 221 |
1900 | 285 |
1901 | 181 |
1902 | 203 |
1903 | 210 |
1904 | 226 |
1905 | 193 |
1906 | 213 |
1907 | 215 |
1908 | 216 |
1909 | 199 |
1910 | 254 |
1911 | 272 |
1912 | 430 |
1913 | 502 |
1914 | 633 |
1915 | 704 |
1916 | 802 |
1917 | 836 |
1918 | 871 |
1919 | 816 |
1920 | 877 |
1921 | 1,001 |
1922 | 1,019 |
1923 | 1,055 |
1924 | 1,121 |
1925 | 1,153 |
1926 | 1,219 |
1927 | 1,253 |
1928 | 1,320 |
1929 | 1,442 |
1930 | 1,531 |
1931 | 1,570 |
1932 | 1,579 |
1933 | 1,573 |
1934 | 1,704 |
1935 | 1,665 |
1936 | 1,855 |
1937 | 2,090 |
1938 | 2,292 |
1939 | 2,530 |
1940 | 2,883 |
1941 | 3,155 |
1942 | 3,804 |
1943 | 3,848 |
1944 | 3,883 |
1945 | 3,853 |
1946 | 5,305 |
1947 | 6,621 |
1948 | 7,192 |
1949 | 8,074 |
1950 | 8,180 |
1951 | 8,752 |
1952 | 9,175 |
1953 | 9,469 |
1954 | 9,928 |
1955 | 9,871 |
1956 | 10,326 |
1957 | 10,354 |
1958 | 10,244 |
1959 | 10,557 |
1960 | 10,348 |
1961 | 11,056 |
1962 | 10,498 |
1963 | 12,069 |
1964 | 14,694 |
1965 | 12,931 |
1966 | 12,407 |
1967 | 12,973 |
1968 | 13,058 |
1969 | 12,679 |
1970 | 11,734 |
1971 | 10,810 |
1972 | 9,275 |
1973 | 8,483 |
1974 | 8,137 |
1975 | 8,053 |
1976 | 7,642 |
1977 | 8,306 |
1978 | 8,831 |
1979 | 9,980 |
1980 | 10,354 |
1981 | 10,384 |
1982 | 10,697 |
1983 | 10,874 |
1984 | 11,526 |
1985 | 11,641 |
1986 | 11,409 |
1987 | 11,143 |
1988 | 11,401 |
1989 | 11,988 |
1990 | 12,378 |
1991 | 12,413 |
1992 | 11,409 |
1993 | 9,857 |
1994 | 9,336 |
1995 | 8,674 |
1996 | 8,193 |
1997 | 7,490 |
1998 | 6,735 |
1999 | 6,447 |
2000 | 6,297 |
2001 | 5,786 |
2002 | 5,153 |
2003 | 4,789 |
2004 | 4,441 |
2005 | 4,044 |
2006 | 3,947 |
2007 | 3,736 |
2008 | 3,339 |
2009 | 3,250 |
2010 | 3,139 |
2011 | 2,867 |
2012 | 2,823 |
2013 | 2,598 |
2014 | 2,680 |
2015 | 2,535 |
2016 | 2,360 |
2017 | 2,304 |
2018 | 2,123 |
2019 | 1,880 |
2020 | 1,863 |
2021 | 1,791 |
2022 | 1,716 |
2023 | 1,600 |
2024 | 1,622 |