Definition of "Patrick"

Yes, by Saint Patrick, but there is, Horatio,And much offence, too.

c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act I, scene v]

- Are unusual names nice?- Yes.- Then why am I called Patrick?She laughed but only for a little bit. She smiled at me, I think to make sure that I knew she wasn't laughing at me.- Because your daddy's called Patrick, she said.I liked that, being called after my da.- There are five Patricks in our class, I said.- Is that right?- Patrick Clarke. That's me. Patrick O'Neill. Patrick Redmond. Patrick Genocci. Patrick Flynn.- That's a lot, she said. - It's a nice name. Very dignified.- Three of them are called Paddy, I told her. - One Pat and one Patrick.

1993, Roddy Doyle, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha, page 138