On March 17, as spring begins to flourish, people worldwide join in celebrating St. Patrick's Day (Lá Fhéile Pádraig).
As Ireland's primary patron saint, Patrick's story has captivated hearts and minds for over 1,500 years, inspiring countless generations with his journey from captured youth to the figure who would help shape Ireland's spiritual landscape.
The historical Patrick, writing in the 5th century, left us remarkable documents - his "Confession" and "Letter to Coroticus" - giving us rare insights into medieval Ireland through his own words.
From his dramatic escape from slavery to his return to Ireland as a missionary, Patrick's life story reads like an adventure tale, yet one that transformed a nation's history.
Saint Patrick. (Getty Images)
But did you know that the name Patrick (in its variations - Pádraig, Pat, Pádraic, Pád, Paddy) has been carried through centuries by remarkable individuals who have left their own distinctive marks on history?
Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI) invites you to test your knowledge and discover these fascinating figures through their Famous Patricks Quiz.
Whether you're gathering with family for St. Patrick's Day festivities or simply curious about historical figures who share this storied name, this quiz offers an entertaining way to explore Irish heritage and international history.
Are you ready to begin? Let's celebrate St. Patrick's legacy by discovering the achievements of his namesakes across the centuries.
(St. Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland through honest dealings - he'd want you to resist peeking at the answers until the end!)
1. Which saint is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland?
- A) Patrick
- B) Augustine
- C) Columba
- D) Brendan
2. What actor played Patrick Jane in “The Mentalist”?
- A) Neil Patrick Harris
- B) Patrick Dempsey
- C) Simon Baker
- D) Patrick Wilson
3. What US founding fathers famously said “Give me liberty or give me death”?
- A) Patrick Lee
- B) Patrick Hamilton
- C) Patrick Adams
- D) Patrick Henry
4. Which astronaut named Patrick commanded Gemini 8 and Apollo 11?
- A) Patrick Baudry
- B) Patrick Collins
- C) Patrick Gordon
- D) Patrick Moore
5. Patrick Duffy played Bobby Ewing in Dallas, but who played his wife, Pam?
- A) Barbara Bel Geddes
- B) Linda Gray
- C) Victoria Principal
- D) Charlene Tilton
6. What Irish poet named Patrick wrote “The Great Hunger”?
- A) Patrick Kavanagh
- B) Patrick MacGill
- C) Patrick Galvin
- D) Patrick Pearse
7. Which Patrick won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1948 for his discoveries in the field of cosmic rays?
- A) Patrick Blackett
- B) Patrick Maynard
- C) Patrick Doyle
- D) Patrick Rice
8. This Patrick is the CEO who co-founded Stripe with his brother John:
- A) Patrick Soon-Shiong
- B) Patrick Drahi
- C) Patrick Collison
- D) Patrick Thomas
9. Which Patrick from "SpongeBob Squarepants" lives under a rock?
- A) Patrick Pearl
- B) Patrick Star
- C) Patrick Sand
- D) Patrick Shell
10. Which Patrick played Derek Shepherd in "Grey’s Anatomy"?
- A) Patrick Swayze
- B) Patrick Bergin
- C) Patrick O’Connor
- D) Patrick Dempsey
11. Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland, but in what country was he born?
- A) Ireland
- B) England
- C) Scotland
- D) Wales
Saint Patrick. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Answers - no cheating!
1:A, 2:C, 3:D, 4:B, 5:C, 6:A, 7:A, 8:C, 9:B, 10:D, 11:D
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