Pater is of Latin origin, meaning 'father'. It was popular during the Middle Ages and has been used as both a given name and a surname over the centuries. The name gained notable usage in early Christian times due to its religious connotation, often associated with Saint Pater, one of the 72 disciples of Jesus.
"The name Pater has seen fluctuations over time, with a notable decline between 1987 and 1989, but experienced a resurgence in popularity in 2010."