"noble, of the patrician class"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Patricia
Pronunciation: [ p-uhtr-IHSH-uh ]
Does Patricia flow with your last name?
A timeless Latin classic meaning noble and patrician
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Spanish
Irish
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Meaning & Origin
"noble father's daughter"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
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The Story of Patricia
Patricia is the feminine form of Patricius, the Latin word for a member of the patrician class — the noble elite of ancient Rome. The name derives from pater (father), as the patricians were the ruling class descended from the original Roman fathers (patres). Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, bore the masculine form Patricius, which helped spread the name throughout the Christian world.
Patricia was the second most popular name for baby girls in the United States throughout the 1940s and 1950s, reflecting the post-war era's preference for dignified, formal names. It has declined sharply as later generations moved away from midcentury names, but retains classic stature.
Patricia is deeply associated with the Greatest Generation and Silent Generation of Americans — the women who raised the Baby Boomers. The name carries associations of strength, reliability, and quiet dignity. In Ireland and Irish-American culture, the feminine connection to Saint Patrick (Patricius) gives it special significance.
Historical Record
Patricia first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 855,290 babies have been named Patricia in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Patricia is past its peak , currently ranked #1,299 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Patricia was the number one or two girls name in the US for the entire decade of the 1940s
- Saint Patrick, born Patricius around 390 CE, is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and remains its most beloved patron saint
Patricia in Other Languages
Irish
Padraigín
French
Patricia
German
Patricia
Italian
Patrizia
Spanish
Patricia
Popularity Over Time
#1,299
Current Rank
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Patricia
P
Patricia Cornwell
Writer
1956
American crime novelist known for the Kay Scarpetta forensic thriller series
P
Patricia Highsmith
Writer
1921
American crime novelist known for The Talented Mr. Ripley and Strangers on a Train
P
Pat Nixon
Other
1912
First Lady of the United States and wife of President Richard Nixon
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #1,299
- Total SSA Count
- 177
- Cultural Origins
- English American Spanish Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Pat
Patty
Patrice
Trish
Tricia
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Patricia
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Patricia is also used as a boy name, ranked #38453.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Patricia
What does the name Patricia mean?
"noble, of the patrician class" (from Latin). "noble father's daughter" (from Latin). Patricia is the feminine form of Patricius, the Latin word for a member of the patrician class — the noble elite of ancient Rome. The name derives from pater (father), as the patricians were the ruling class descended from the original Roman fathers (patres). Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, bore the masculine form Patricius, which helped spread the name throughout the Christian world.
What is the origin of the name Patricia?
Patricia has Latin, English, American, Spanish, and Irish origins. In Latin, it means "noble, of the patrician class". In Latin, it means "noble father's daughter".
Is Patricia a boy or girl name?
Patricia is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1299. As a boy name, it is ranked #38453. Patricia is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Patricia?
Patricia is pronounced p-uhtr-IHSH-uh.
How popular is the name Patricia?
Patricia is currently ranked #1299 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Patricia?
Common nicknames for Patricia include Pat, Patty, Patrice, Trish, and Tricia.
What are good middle names for Patricia?
Popular middle name pairings include Patricia Ann, Patricia Marie, Patricia Louise, Patricia Jean, Patricia Elizabeth, and Patricia Rose.
What are good sibling names for Patricia?
Names that pair well with Patricia as siblings include Barbara, Sandra, Linda, Richard, Robert, and Donald.
How many syllables does Patricia have?
Patricia has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Patricia a common or rare name?
Patricia is an uncommon name, ranked #1299 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Patricia
Patricia is a girl name with English, American, Spanish, and Irish origins . The name means "noble, of the patrician class" in Latin .
Is Patricia a boy or girl name? Patricia is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,299 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #38,453. Patricia is more commonly used as a girl name.
Patricia is currently ranked #1,299 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Patricia has 4 syllables and is pronounced p-uhtr-IHSH-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Patricia include Pat, Patty, Patrice, Trish, and Tricia. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis