Patrick is a name of Irish origin that means "noble". It comes from the Irish name Pádraig, which is derived from the Latin name Patricius. This name was borne by Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland who is said to have brought Christianity to the country in the 5th century. The name Patrick has been popular throughout Europe for centuries and continues to be widely used today. It is often associated with the color green and shamrocks due to its Irish origins and Saint Patrick's Day celebrations. However, it is important to note that this name does not have any direct connection to these festivities or traits of character related to people who bear this name.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Patrick experienced a steady presence among newborns in the United States from 1951 to 1972, with some fluctuations in popularity over time.
In the early years, between 1951 and 1957, there were consistently around 5 births per year for boys named Patrick. This suggests that during this period, the name was moderately popular and stable among parents choosing names for their newborn sons.
The late 1950s saw a slight increase in popularity, with 7 births recorded in 1958. This trend continued into the early 1960s, with 6 births each year in 1959 and 1962. However, there was another notable spike in popularity in 1964, with 9 births that year.
Interest in the name Patrick peaked during the early 1970s. Between 1970 and 1972, the number of newborn boys named Patrick jumped from 9 to 10 births per year, indicating a growing preference for this name among parents during this time period.
Overall, over the span of two decades (1951-1972), there were a total of 76 births for boys named Patrick in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name varied somewhat over time, it remained consistently present as a choice for parents during these years.