Pate

Meaning and origin

The last name Pate has an English origin, deriving from the medieval personal name Pat or Pate, a diminutive of the popular given name Patrick. This surname was commonly found in the West Country of England, particularly in Cornwall and Devon, where it can be traced back to the 14th century. The name Pate denotes a descendant of Patrick, which itself is derived from the Latin name Patricius, meaning "noble." Over time, the surname Pate has spread beyond England and can now be found among various English-speaking communities worldwide.

The longer story

The last name Pate is of English origin and has multiple meanings and variations. It is classified as a patronymic surname, which means it originated from a male ancestor's given name. The name Pate is derived from the Middle English name "Paten," which was a diminutive form of the personal name Patrick. The name Patrick itself is of Latin origin, derived from the name "Patricius," meaning "noble" or "patrician."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Pate can be traced back to the 13th century in England. Throughout history, the name has undergone various spelling variations, including Pate, Patt, PAT, Patty, and Patie. These variations can be attributed to differing dialects and transcriptions over time.

The distribution of the surname Pate is primarily concentrated in the United States, particularly in the southern states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee. This may be due to historical migration patterns and settlement in these regions. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.