Patrick: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Patrick is a male name of Latin origin, meaning "nobleman" or "patrician". It became widely known through Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and remains a name strongly associated with Irish heritage.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Latin |
| Meaning | Nobleman, patrician |
| Gender | Male |
| Pronunciation | PAT-rik |
Etymology of Patrick
Patrick derives from the Latin name Patricius, meaning "nobleman" or "patrician". In ancient Rome, a patricius was a member of the aristocratic class, derived from pater (father), referring to the founding fathers of Rome.
The name entered widespread use through Saint Patrick (5th century), who brought Christianity to Ireland. Born in Britain with the Roman name Patricius, he became the patron saint of Ireland, forever linking the name with Irish culture.
The name traveled from Latin through Old Irish as Pádraig, then into English as Patrick, maintaining its core meaning of noble status across centuries and cultures.
History of Patrick
Origins and Early Use
Patrick first appeared as the Roman name Patricius, denoting patrician class membership in ancient Rome. The name remained relatively uncommon until the 5th century, when Saint Patrick's missionary work in Ireland transformed it into a name of religious and cultural significance.
Rise to Popularity
The veneration of Saint Patrick in Ireland made the name ubiquitous in Irish communities. By the Middle Ages, Patrick became one of the most common names in Ireland, spreading to Irish diaspora communities worldwide.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 5th century | Saint Patrick's mission to Ireland | Established religious significance |
| Medieval period | Spread of Saint Patrick's cult | Became dominant Irish name |
| 19th-20th century | Irish immigration to US | Entered American naming traditions |
| 1960s-1980s | Peak American popularity | Ranked in top 40 US names |
| 21st century | Gradual decline | Fell from #38 (1980s) to #221 (2024) |
Modern Usage
Patrick peaked in the United States during the 1960s-1980s, reaching #30 in 1964 with over 14,000 births. Since then, it has steadily declined as parents gravitated toward newer names, though it remains recognizable and carries strong Irish associations.
Today, Patrick is chosen by parents who value traditional, established names with clear cultural heritage. While less trendy than during its mid-century peak, it maintains steady usage as a classic choice.
Key insight: This name rose because of deep religious and cultural ties to Irish identity through Saint Patrick, and declined as American naming trends shifted toward more diverse ethnic origins and modern coinages.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Patrick when they want to convey Irish heritage, traditional values, and classic masculinity, especially in contexts involving family tradition and cultural identity.
Variants of Patrick
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Patrick | Standard form |
| Irish | Pádraig | Original Irish form |
| Scottish | Pàdraig | Scottish Gaelic variant |
| French | Patrice | Common in Francophone countries |
| Spanish | Patricio | Spanish/Portuguese variant |
| Italian | Patrizio | Italian form |
| German | Patrick | Adopted unchanged |
| Dutch | Patryk | Polish spelling variant |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Common nicknames include:
- Pat
- Patty
- Paddy (especially Irish usage)
- Rick
- Trick
Similar Names
- Peter - Also means "rock/stone", classical name with religious significance
- Dominic - Latin origin meaning "of the Lord", similar traditional feel
- Brendan - Irish origin, shares Celtic heritage
- Colin - Shares shortened nickname potential and traditional style
Patrick Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #89 | 285 |
| 1920s | #159 | 877 |
| 1940s | #74 | 2,883 |
| 1960s | #45 | 10,348 |
| 1980s | #38 | 10,354 |
| 2000s | #68 | 6,297 |
| 2020s | #205 | 1,863 |
| 2024s | #221 | 1,622 |
Peak: 1964, ranked #30 (14,694 births)
Current (2024): #221 (1,622 births)
Trend analysis: Patrick's decline from its 1960s-1980s peak reflects broader shifts in American naming culture away from mid-century traditional names. The association with Saint Patrick's Day and Irish-American identity keeps it in steady, if reduced, usage.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Patrick as a Username
Availability
"patrick" as a username is often taken on major platforms, though availability varies by service and region. Due to decades of popularity (especially 1960s-1990s), many platforms have existing Patrick accounts.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | patrick | Professional profiles (if available) |
| With numbers | patrick99, patrick87 | Gaming, birth year |
| Abbreviated | pat, patk | Social media handles |
| Stylized | xpatrick, patrickx | Creative platforms, preserves recognition |
| Nickname-based | paddywagon, trickster | Casual/gaming contexts |
Digital Impression
Patrick as an ID tends to project:
- Approachability - Familiar, friendly name without pretension
- Traditionalism - Established name suggests reliability and conventionality
- Irish association - Immediately evokes Irish heritage, Saint Patrick's Day
Best for: Professional networking, traditional contexts, Irish cultural communities
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique, modern, or culturally neutral usernames.
Is Patrick good for a username?
Patrick works well as a username if you value approachability and traditional identity. However, due to its multi-decade popularity in English-speaking countries, you will likely need variations like patrick_87, pat_irl, or paddy_k to secure availability on established platforms.
FAQ
What does Patrick mean?
Patrick means "nobleman" or "patrician" from Latin Patricius, referring to the aristocratic class in ancient Rome.
Is Patrick popular?
According to SSA data, Patrick ranks #221 in the US (2024). It is declining from its 1960s-1980s peak but remains in moderate usage.
What are nicknames for Patrick?
Common nicknames: Pat, Paddy, Patty, Rick, Trick.
Is Patrick a boy's or girl's name?
Patrick is traditionally and overwhelmingly a male name. Modern usage has not shifted this gender association.
How do you pronounce Patrick?
Patrick is pronounced PAT-rik (two syllables, emphasis on first syllable). Irish variants like Pádraig have different pronunciations (PAW-drig or PAH-drig).
Is Patrick good for a username?
Patrick works well as a username if you value traditional, approachable identity and Irish cultural associations, though availability may require variation.
Related Names
- Peter - Similar religious significance and classical origin
- Brendan - Shares Irish heritage and traditional usage
- Pat - Shortened form, often preferred for digital IDs due to brevity
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name Last updated: February 2026