"endurance, patient suffering"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Patience
Pronunciation: [ p-AYSH-uhns ]
Does Patience flow with your last name?
A timeless virtue name that never goes out of style
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West African
Caribbean
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Gentle
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"calm endurance of hardship"
Origin: Old French
Language: English
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The Story of Patience
Patience derives from the Latin 'patientia,' itself from 'pati,' meaning 'to suffer' or 'to endure.' It was adopted by Puritan settlers in the 17th century as part of the virtue-naming tradition, alongside names like Prudence, Hope, and Faith. These names were intended to instill the value they represented into the bearer from birth.
Patience has been used consistently in English-speaking countries since the Puritan era. It remains particularly popular in West African nations like Ghana and Nigeria, where virtue names in English are beloved. In the United States, it sees steady if modest use.
In West African and Caribbean communities, Patience is a cherished virtue name associated with strength, endurance, and faith. The Puritan tradition of virtue names also left a lasting mark on New England naming practices. Patience is one of the few virtue names that has never entirely fallen out of use.
Historical Record
Patience first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 11,339 babies have been named Patience in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Patience is past its peak , currently ranked #1,327 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Patience was a popular Puritan virtue name in 17th-century New England
- The name remains especially common in West Africa, particularly in Ghana and Nigeria
- Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona includes a character named Patience
Patience in Other Languages
French
Patience
German
Geduld
Italian
Pazienza
Spanish
Paciencia
Portuguese
Paciência
Popularity Over Time
#1,327
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2006
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Patience
P
Patience Ozokwor
Actor
1960
Renowned Nigerian actress known as 'Mama G,' one of Nollywood's most celebrated performers
P
Patience (HMS Pinafore) Fictional
Other
A character in Gilbert and Sullivan's 1881 comic opera Patience; also the title of a W.S. Gilbert operetta
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Compare Patience with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,327
- Total SSA Count
- 172
- Cultural Origins
- English American West African Caribbean
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Patty
Pat
Pate
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Patience
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Patience is also used as a boy name, ranked #24052.
View Patience as a boy name →Similar Names
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"clear, unsullied"
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Turkish origin
"halo of moonlight"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Patience
What does the name Patience mean?
"endurance, patient suffering" (from Latin). "calm endurance of hardship" (from Old French). Patience derives from the Latin 'patientia,' itself from 'pati,' meaning 'to suffer' or 'to endure.' It was adopted by Puritan settlers in the 17th century as part of the virtue-naming tradition, alongside names like Prudence, Hope, and Faith. These names were intended to instill the value they represented into the bearer from birth.
What is the origin of the name Patience?
Patience has Latin, Old French, English, American, West African, and Caribbean origins. In Latin, it means "endurance, patient suffering". In Old French, it means "calm endurance of hardship".
Is Patience a boy or girl name?
Patience is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1327. As a boy name, it is ranked #24052. Patience is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Patience?
Patience is pronounced p-AYSH-uhns.
How popular is the name Patience?
Patience is currently ranked #1327 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Patience?
Common nicknames for Patience include Patty, Pat, and Pate.
What are good middle names for Patience?
Popular middle name pairings include Patience Grace, Patience Hope, Patience Joy, Patience Rose, Patience Anne, Patience Faith, and Patience Marie.
What are good sibling names for Patience?
Names that pair well with Patience as siblings include Prudence, Constance, Hope, Faith, Mercy, Grace, and Valor.
How many syllables does Patience have?
Patience has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Patience a common or rare name?
Patience is an uncommon name, ranked #1327 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Patience
Patience is a girl name with English, American, West African, and Caribbean origins . The name means "endurance, patient suffering" in Latin .
Is Patience a boy or girl name? Patience is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,327 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #24,052. Patience is more commonly used as a girl name.
Patience is currently ranked #1,327 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Patience has 3 syllables and is pronounced p-AYSH-uhns, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Patience include Patty, Pat, and Pate. 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