Find out how popular the first name Patrick has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Patrick by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Patrick is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Patrick being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,596 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Patrick.

The history of the first name Patrick

The name Patrick has its origins in the Latin language, specifically derived from the Roman name Patricius, meaning "patrician" or "noble." This name gained prominence during the time of the Roman Empire and was associated with the elite class of Roman society known as the patricians.

The earliest recorded use of the name Patrick can be traced back to the 5th century, when it was borne by the famous Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Saint Patrick, born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, was instrumental in spreading Christianity throughout Ireland. His life and missionary work have made him one of the most celebrated figures in Irish history and culture.

Throughout the centuries, the name Patrick has been widely adopted across various cultures and regions, particularly in areas with strong Christian traditions. One notable bearer of this name was Patrick Henry, an American orator and statesman born in 1736, who played a significant role in the American Revolution and is best known for his famous quote, "Give me liberty or give me death."

In the literary world, Patrick White (1912-1990) was an Australian novelist and playwright who became the first Australian author to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1973. His works, such as "The Tree of Man" and "Voss," explored themes of alienation and the human condition in Australia.

Another prominent figure with the name Patrick was Patrick Roy (born 1965), a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played for the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche. Roy is widely regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders in the history of the NHL and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006.

Lastly, Patrick Ewing (born 1962) was a Jamaican-American professional basketball player who played for the New York Knicks in the NBA. He was an 11-time NBA All-Star and is considered one of the greatest centers in the history of the league. Ewing's dominance on the court and his iconic status in New York City have cemented his place in basketball history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Patrick was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Patrick, please contact us.

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