Pate

The Pate family name is linked to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name comes from the baptismal name for Patrick. In the religious naming tradition the Pate surname was bestowed in honor of a religious figure. In Europe, the Christian Church was one of the most powerful influences on the formation of given names. Alternatively, the name could have been derived from the Middle English word "pate" which meant "head" or "skull". In this latter case, the name would have been a nickname.