The name Padraig (also spelled Pádraig), which means "noble" or "patrician," first came into prominence in Ireland around 428 C.E. with the rise of Saint Padraig (Patrick). Originally considered too holy for personal use, the name was eventually adopted by many Irish men, and by the 1800s had become one of the most popular names in the nation. With English influence, the name evolved into Patrick, which today is one of the most popular names in the entire English-speaking world, especially in Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. The names also gave birth to the nickname Paddy, which itself is frequently used in Ireland as a formal name.
Some notable men named Patrick include:
Some notable men named Paddy include:
Some notable men named Padraig include:
