Pate

♂ Boy

Pronounced PAYT /ˈpeɪt/High

Meaning: From the surname Pate, which arose from a medieval short form of Patrick (Latin Patricius, 'nobleman'). Common in Scotland and northern England, and carried to America as a family name.Low

In 30 seconds: A one-beat surname-name from Patrick: Pate carries the sense 'nobleman' (said 'PAYT').

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Origin LowEnglish, Scottish

MeaningFrom the surname Pate, which arose from a medieval short form of Patrick (Latin Patricius, 'nobleman'). Common in Scotland and northern England, and carried to America as a family name.

U.S. rank (2024)#13684 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2003

Total births (all-time)≈ 272

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Pate began as a medieval pet form of Patrick (Latin Patricius, 'nobleman') and became a surname in Scotland and northern England. Carried to America, it is now finding new life as a short, sharp first name in the Tate and Cade family (said 'PAYT').

In the U.S. it is very rare for boys. Rare, surname-style, and crisp.

Did you know? In medieval Scotland, Pate was the everyday short form of Patrick — the way Pat is today. It hardened into a surname, and now comes back around as a crisp first name (said 'PAYT').

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Pate — surname from medieval short form of Patrick

Variations

PaitPayte

Nicknames

Pat

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Pate…

Tate— a like one-beat rhyme

Cade— a similar crisp surname-name

Nate— a like short choice in sound

Pace— a similar sharp surname pick

Explore names like Pate

By themeshort surname scottish rare

By meaningFlower Royal / Noble

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Pate mean?

Pate is a surname from a medieval short form of Patrick, from Latin patricius, 'nobleman.'

How do you pronounce Pate?

It's said PAYT /ˈpeɪt/ — one syllable, rhyming with 'gate.'

Is Pate a boy or girl name?

Pate is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Pate?

Pate is a very rare name for boys in the U.S.