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Patrick

♂ Boy

Pronounced PAT-rik /ˈpæt.rɪk/High

Meaning: Nobleman; patrician; from Latin Patricius (noble, of the patrician class)High

In 30 seconds: A Latin name meaning 'nobleman,' made forever Irish by Saint Patrick (c. 385–461), the patron saint of Ireland. One of the great names of the Christian world, still vibrant today.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningNobleman; patrician; from Latin Patricius (noble, of the patrician class)
Peak year1964
Total births (all-time)≈ 672,425

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196418802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Patrick derives from the Latin Patricius, meaning 'nobleman' or 'of the patrician class' — the term used for Roman aristocrats. The name was borne by Saint Patrick (c. 385–461 CE), a Romano-British Christian missionary who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. He became Ireland's patron saint, and his feast day, March 17, is celebrated worldwide.

Patrick has been the most popular boys' name in Ireland for centuries. In the United States it has been a top-100 boys' name for most of the 20th century, closely associated with Irish-American identity. St. Patrick's Day celebrations have ensured ongoing cultural visibility. It remains a respected classic in the top 200 U.S. names.

Did you know? Saint Patrick was not born Irish — he was a Romano-British captive who was enslaved in Ireland, escaped, and returned as a missionary, eventually becoming the island's patron saint.

Variations

PatricePatricioPadraig

Nicknames

PatPaddyRick

Famous Bearers

  • ★Saint Patrick (c. 385–461 CE)
    Romano-British missionary, patron saint of Ireland; his feast day March 17 is celebrated worldwide.
  • ★Patrick Stewart (b. 1940)
    British actor, known as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in <em>Star Trek: The Next Generation</em>.

If you like Patrick…

Ryan— Irish surname name equally associated with Irish-American identity

Frequently Asked

What does the name Patrick mean?

Patrick means 'nobleman' or 'patrician,' from the Latin Patricius, referring to members of the Roman aristocratic class.

How do you pronounce Patrick?

Patrick is pronounced PAT-rik (/ˈpæt.rɪk/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Patrick a boy or girl name?

Patrick is used exclusively as a boy's name; Patricia is the feminine form.

How popular is Patrick?

Patrick has been a consistent top-100 U.S. boys' name for most of the 20th century and remains in the top 200 today.