Wanted to make it clear that I have not researched any specific Pates back into Scotland. All I've done, which is something I commonly do, is run the Pate surname on the www.scotclans.com website's "What's My Clan" search link. I enjoy reading the information found for this or any other surname. The "Pate short for Patrick" info comes from the Scottish website. I'm not sure if this is a historical fact or not. What it does allow, if your surname is Pate, you can join the US MacLaren Clan without proof of descent from anyone, including a Scot. Most of us would have a hard time proving descent from a Scot, especially if they emigrated to the US prior to Revolution. I apologize in advance if this type post is considered off topic. To me it leans toward heritage, not biology.