Patricia

Meaning & origin

Patricia is a name of Latin origin meaning 'noble' or 'aristocratic', and it enjoyed enormous popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. Its peak year was 1951, when it was one of the most common names for girls, reflecting a broader trend of classical and feminine names in that era. Since 1985, however, Patricia has experienced a steady decline in usage, falling from its former heights to a rank of 1,334th in 2025, when only 1 in 9,624 babies received the name. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1884 and rose dramatically in the early 20th century. Today, Patricia is most commonly found in states like Minnesota, North Carolina, and Arizona, though its numbers are modest compared to its peak. Despite its decline, Patricia retains a classic, dignified charm and is often associated with the mid-century generation.

Patricia is the feminine form of the Latin name Patricius, which comes from the word 'patricius' meaning 'nobleman, aristocrat', itself derived from 'pater' (father). The name was used in ancient Rome to denote members of the patrician class, the hereditary aristocracy. In the English-speaking world, Patricia became widespread only in the 20th century, particularly after the 1910s, and was especially popular in the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1950s.