Patricio

Meaning & origin

Patricio is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Patrick, derived from the Latin Patricius, meaning "nobleman" or "patrician." The name has been used in Hispanic and Lusophone cultures for centuries, often associated with Saint Patrick, though its roots are in ancient Rome. In the United States, Patricio first appeared in records in 1882, but it saw a significant rise in popularity during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The name reached its peak rank of 2332 in 2009, with 1 in 28,950 male newborns receiving the name in 2025. Since then, its usage has been falling, but it remains a familiar choice, particularly in states with large Hispanic populations such as Arizona, Texas, and California. Patricio offers a strong, classic option with cultural resonance, though it has never reached the top tiers of American naming charts.

Patricio derives from the Latin name Patricius, meaning "nobleman" or "patrician." It has been used in Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries since the Middle Ages, often in honor of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, though the name is more directly tied to the Roman patrician class.