This street was marked but unnamed on one of Phillips' plans (1685). It was called simply Patrick Street in 1732, with the later addition of 'Great' to distinguish it from Little Patrick Street. It was once a straight street but was much changed by the construction of Dunbar Link c. 1980, which left it somewhat stranded and with buildings on only one side for half its length.
It seems likely that Great Patrick Street is named after Ireland's patron saint, but a link with another person cannot be completely ruled out. We have found no evidence that there was ever any church dedicated to St Patrick in this street. From 1869 to 1920 the Mariner's Church, also called the Trinity Church (CoI), stood at the corner of Corporation Street and Great Patrick Street. St Patrick's Catholic Church is nearby on Donegall. In any case, the street considerably predates both of these. We would welcome any relevant information.