Pat

Pat is an English short form of Patrick or Patricia, both of which trace back to the Latin patricius, meaning nobleman or member of the patrician class. Patrick was famously borne by the fifth-century Romano-British missionary who became the patron saint of Ireland, giving the name strong Irish cultural resonance. Pat functions as an independent given name as well as a nickname, and its gender-neutral quality has made it broadly popular in English-speaking countries. Related forms include Patty, Paddy, Patricia, and Patrick.