Patricia

Pronunciation: [ p-uhtr-IHSH-uh ]

Girl Name #1,299 Most Popular Hidden Gem 4 Syllables

A timeless Latin classic meaning noble and patrician

English American Spanish Irish

Classic Traditional Elegant Vintage Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"noble, of the patrician class"

Origin: Latin

Language: Latin

"noble father's daughter"

Origin: Latin

Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Patricia

Patricia Cornwell

Writer

1956

American crime novelist known for the Kay Scarpetta forensic thriller series

Patricia Highsmith

Writer

1921

American crime novelist known for The Talented Mr. Ripley and Strangers on a Train

Pat Nixon

Other

1912

First Lady of the United States and wife of President Richard Nixon

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

Pairs Well With

Patricia Ann Patricia Marie Patricia Louise Patricia Jean Patricia Elizabeth Patricia Rose

Sibling Names

Barbara Sandra Linda Richard Robert Donald

Also a Boy Name

Patricia is also used as a boy name, ranked #38453.

View Patricia as a boy name →

Similar Names

Patrick Patricio Krisha Triniti Prisha Trishika

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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.