Patrice

Patrice is a French form of the Latin name Patricius, derived from the Latin root patricius meaning nobleman or patrician, itself from pater, meaning father, reflecting the hereditary aristocratic class of ancient Rome. The name was borne most famously by Saint Patrick, the fifth-century missionary credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland, whose Latin name Patricius spread the name widely throughout the Christian world. In French-speaking countries Patrice was traditionally masculine, while in English-speaking countries it came to be used primarily as a feminine name, functioning as an elaborated variant of Patricia. Related forms include Patrick, Patricia, and the Italian Patrizio.