What is the origin of the last name Patrick?
Countries of origin for the last name Patrick
The last name Patrick is a surname of Scottish and Irish origin. It is derived from the given name Patrick, which in turn comes from the Latin name Patricius, meaning “noble” or “patrician.” This name was commonly used by the Roman aristocracy, and it was later adopted by Christians in honor of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
The surname Patrick is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Ó Maol Phádraig, which means “descendant of the servant of St. Patrick.” The prefix Ó signifies “descendant of” and Maol Phádraig refers to an individual who was deeply religious and devoted to St. Patrick.
The surname Patrick has various spellings and forms across different regions. In Scotland, variants of the surname include Paterson, Peterson, and Patricks. In Ireland, variants include Fitzpatrick, Kilpatrick, and McPatrick. These variants often reflect the anglicization of the original Gaelic or Scottish names.
Throughout history, the surname Patrick has been relatively common in Scotland and Ireland. It can be traced back to ancient times, with early documented instances of the name found in medieval records. The surname has spread beyond its original homeland, leading to individuals with the last name Patrick residing in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with a strong Scottish or Irish heritage.
As with many surnames, the meaning of Patrick has evolved and changed over time. While the initial meaning is associated with the nobility and religious devotion, the surname Patrick may have acquired additional connotations and associations in different regions and periods. These nuances and interpretations of the name Patrick can be explored through in-depth genealogical and historical research.
The last name Patrick is a testament to the rich heritage and cultural significance of Scottish and Irish ancestry. It embodies a connection to the historical figures of St. Patrick and the Roman aristocracy, while also bearing witness to the migration and globalization of surnames. With each individual who carries the surname Patrick, there exists a unique story waiting to be unravelled, adding to the tapestry of human history.
Interesting facts about the last name Patrick
- The surname Patrick has its origins in Scotland and Ireland.
- It is derived from the personal name Patrick, which comes from the Latin name Patricius.
- Patricius means “noble” or “patrician,” and was a name associated with Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
- The surname Patrick is relatively common in English-speaking countries, particularly in Ireland, Scotland, and the United States.
- Several notable individuals bear the surname Patrick, including professional athletes like Danica Patrick, an American racing driver, and Pádraig Harrington, a professional golfer from Ireland.
- The Patrick surname has variant spellings such as Fitzpatrick, Kilpatrick, and Patrickson, reflecting different regional and historical adaptations.
- In some cases, Patrick can also be a given name rather than a surname, particularly in Ireland.
- The name Patrick was ranked 110th in the list of most common surnames in the United States during the 1990 census.
- Traditionally, the surname Patrick would have been passed down from father to son, following the patrilineal naming system.
Name Rank
#552
There are around 60845 people with the last name Patrick in the US