Patrick History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  Ireland 


Patrick is a name that first reached England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. It comes from the given name Patrick. It was largely as a result of the fame of the 5th century Romano British saint of this name that Patrick was such a popular given name in the Middle Ages. It derives from the Latin Patricus, meaning the son of a noble father, a member of the patrician class, and a member of the Roman hereditary aristocracy.

They claim descent from Patrick de la Lande who was from La Lande near Caen in Normandy. "William Patrick de la Lande is mentioned by Wace as the entertainer of Harold during his visit to Normandy, and as challenging him to combat at Hastings for breach of his oath." 1

To better understand this quotation, the reader needs to know that Wace (c. 1110-1174) was a Norman poet, born in Jersey. His "Roman de Brut," was a verse history of Britain, based on the Historia Regum Britanniae by Geoffrey of Monmouth. In many ways, Wace's works often referred to as Wace's poems, are the only accurate history of those times.

Early Origins of the Patrick family

The surname Patrick was first found in Norfolk and Suffolk where King William granted a barony of fifteen fees shortly after the Norman Conquest to the aforementioned William Patrick. "William, his son, witnessed a charter of William I., to Savigny Abbey." 1

Within one hundred years of the Conquest, branches of the family were found in northern England including the mention of Paganus de la Lande who held three fees in 1165 from the see of York.

Early History of the Patrick family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Patrick research. Another 174 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1160, 1201, 1211, 1564, 1613, 1626, 1632, 1679, 1684, 1689, 1695, 1707 and 1748 are included under the topic Early Patrick History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Patrick Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Patrick include Patrick, Patryck, Partick and others.

Early Notables of the Patrick family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

Patrick World Ranking

In the United States, the name Patrick is the 465th most popular surname with an estimated 59,688 people with that name. 2 However, in New Zealand, the name Patrick is ranked the 803rd most popular surname with an estimated 910 people with that name. 3 And in the United Kingdom, the name Patrick is the 803rd popular surname with an estimated 8,386 people with that name. 4

Migration of the Patrick family to Ireland

Some of the Patrick family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Patrick migration to the United States +

In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Patricks to arrive on North American shores:

Patrick Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Patrick Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Patrick Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Patrick Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Patrick migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Patrick Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Patrick Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Patrick migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Patrick Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Patrick migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Patrick Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Patrick (post 1700) +


The Patrick Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Ora et labora
Motto Translation: Pray and work.


Suggested Readings for the name Patrick +
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