Patrice is a French masculine given name derived from the Latin word "patricius," which means "of noble birth" or "noble." The name was originally used to describe members of the Roman patrician class, the highest social order in ancient Rome.
The name Patrice became popular in France during the Middle Ages and has been widely used throughout Europe since then. It is still a common name in many French-speaking countries today.
In some versions of its spelling, such as Patrick, it has also become popular in English-speaking countries, particularly Ireland where Saint Patrick is celebrated annually on March 17th.
There are no specific historical figures associated with the name Patrice beyond Saint Patrick, who was not actually named Patrick but rather used it as a missionary name. Despite this, the name continues to be beloved by many and remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet distinctive name for their child.
The name Patrice experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s, peaking with 1165 births in 1954. However, it has since declined dramatically, with only 9 births recorded in 2023.