What does Pate mean and where does it come from?
Pate is a diminutive form of the name Patrick, which has historical significance in both Scottish and Irish cultures. The name is derived from Latin, meaning 'nobleman.' Pate has been used historically in various regions, but it has diminished in popularity as a standalone name.
Cultural significance
Pate has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a shortened form of patrick, meaning 'noble man'.
Peak popularity
Reached #942 in 1901 — currently #8746 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Pate?
Pate works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Pate Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Pate Rose
Floral · soft ending
Pate Claire
French influence · crisp
Pate Jane
Literary · strong
Pate Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Pate right now?
Falling — down 1289 spots — currently #8746 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8746 | 9 | ▼ down 1289 · -10% births |
| 2020 | #7457 | 10 | ▲ up 1326 · +25% births |
| 2015 | #8783 | 8 | ▲ up 3525 · +60% births |
| 2010 | #12308 | 5 | ▼ down 1885 |
| 2000 | #10423 | 5 | ▼ down 6501 |
| 1915 | #3922 | 5 | — |
The story of Pate
Pate entered American naming records in 1901 and has been in use for over 123 years. With 258 total births recorded, Pate remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3922 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8746 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Pate in 1901:
Pate by decade
Pate peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 12 | |
| 1910s | 29 | |
| 1920s | 26 | |
| 1930s | 11 | |
| 1950s | 7 | |
| 1960s | 13 | |
| 1980s | 17 | |
| 1990s | 18 | |
| 2000s | 48 | |
| 2010s ★ | 67 | |
| 2020s | 10 | |
💎Pate has only 258 total recorded births since 1901 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Pate?
What names sound and feel like Pate?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pate also consider these
How is Pate written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Pate?
Common questions about the name Pate
What does the name Pate mean?
Pate means "a shortened form of Patrick, meaning 'noble man'" — a name rooted in Scotland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Pate?
Pate is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Pate?
Pate originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Pate?
Pate is a one-syllable name pronounced P EY1 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Pate sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Pate flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Pate ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.