Patricia Girl
Origin(s)
Pronunciationpah-TRISH-uh / /pəˈtrɪʃə/Latin; English
Meaning
Latin: noble; English: noblewoman
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Patricia has its roots in the Latin word "patricius," which means "noble" or "of noble birth." This term was used in ancient Rome to refer to members of the patrician class, the aristocratic families who held significant power and influence in Roman society. The name entered the English language through the Old French form "Patrice," which was derived from the Latin during the medieval period. As the name evolved, it became popularized in various forms across Europe, particularly in the context of Christian saints and figures.
One significant historical milestone associated with the name Patricia is its connection to Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who lived during the 5th century. Although the name Patricia itself does not appear in early Christian texts, the feminine form became associated with the saint's legacy as Christianity spread throughout Ireland and beyond. The name gained further prominence in the Middle Ages, particularly in the context of the Latinized form "Patricia" used in ecclesiastical writings and documents.
Culturally, the name Patricia has been embraced in various traditions, often symbolizing nobility and virtue. It has been used in literature and art, reflecting the qualities associated with its etymological roots. The name has also inspired diminutive forms such as "Patty" or "Tricia," which have been used affectionately in various cultures. Over the centuries, Patricia has maintained a sense of dignity and grace, making it a name of enduring significance across different societies.
Trend Summary
Patricia was most popular in the mid-20th century but has seen a decline in usage in recent years.
Similar Names
Variants
- Patrice
- Patricia
International Variants
- Patrícia (Portuguese)
- Patrizia (Italian)
- Patrice (French)
Famous people named Patricia
Patricia Clarkson is an actress best known for The Green Mile, Six Feet Under, and Pieces of April.
Patricia Arquette is an actress best known for Boyhood, Medium, and True Romance.
Patricia Heaton is an actress best known for Everybody Loves Raymond, The Middle, and Patricia Heaton Parties.
Patricia Kaas is a singer and actress best known for Mademoiselle chante le blues, Je te dis vous, and Piano Bar.
Patricia Cornwell is an author best known for the Kay Scarpetta series, Postmortem, and The Body Farm.
Patricia Highsmith is an author best known for Strangers on a Train, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and Ripley Under Ground.
Patricia Neal is an actress best known for Hud, The Day the Earth Stood Still, and A Face in the Crowd.
Patricia Routledge is an actress and singer best known for Keeping Up Appearances and Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.
Patricia S. Churchland is a philosopher best known for her work in neurophilosophy and her books including Neurophilosophy and Touching a Nerve.
Fictional characters named Patricia
Patricia 'Pat' McKenna is a fictional character from the novel and film The Secret Life of Bees. She is the mother of Lily Owens, whose absence profoundly affects Lily's journey throughout the story.
Patricia Tannis is a fictional character from the video game series Borderlands. She is a brilliant but eccentric scientist who provides guidance and quests to players in the game.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Patricia was first seen in the United States in 1884. Patricia has ranked as high as #9 nationally, which occurred in 1951, and has been most popular in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Patricia has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Patricia (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 24 | |
NY | 17 | |
TX | 16 | |
FL | 11 | |
VA | 7 | |
NC | 7 | |
CO | 6 | |
IN | 6 | |
TN | 6 | |
WA | 5 | |
NJ | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1884 | 6 |
1885 | 5 |
1886 | 8 |
1887 | 10 |
1888 | 12 |
1889 | 17 |
1890 | 11 |
1891 | 12 |
1892 | 21 |
1893 | 28 |
1894 | 36 |
1895 | 35 |
1896 | 37 |
1897 | 49 |
1898 | 47 |
1899 | 55 |
1900 | 87 |
1901 | 68 |
1902 | 85 |
1903 | 79 |
1904 | 124 |
1905 | 121 |
1906 | 157 |
1907 | 177 |
1908 | 205 |
1909 | 233 |
1910 | 316 |
1911 | 325 |
1912 | 504 |
1913 | 588 |
1914 | 656 |
1915 | 895 |
1916 | 1,078 |
1917 | 1,441 |
1918 | 1,760 |
1919 | 2,144 |
1920 | 2,502 |
1921 | 3,380 |
1922 | 3,902 |
1923 | 4,800 |
1924 | 6,957 |
1925 | 8,096 |
1926 | 8,586 |
1927 | 10,554 |
1928 | 12,331 |
1929 | 13,624 |
1930 | 15,751 |
1931 | 16,470 |
1932 | 17,990 |
1933 | 18,632 |
1934 | 20,844 |
1935 | 22,879 |
1936 | 23,916 |
1937 | 26,838 |
1938 | 27,558 |
1939 | 29,701 |
1940 | 32,667 |
1941 | 36,904 |
1942 | 39,464 |
1943 | 39,621 |
1944 | 36,872 |
1945 | 35,843 |
1946 | 46,298 |
1947 | 51,278 |
1948 | 46,140 |
1949 | 46,325 |
1950 | 47,944 |
1951 | 56,446 |
1952 | 53,098 |
1953 | 51,021 |
1954 | 49,149 |
1955 | 46,226 |
1956 | 43,330 |
1957 | 39,282 |
1958 | 37,966 |
1959 | 35,224 |
1960 | 32,105 |
1961 | 28,889 |
1962 | 26,532 |
1963 | 25,374 |
1964 | 26,090 |
1965 | 23,553 |
1966 | 20,111 |
1967 | 17,753 |
1968 | 15,804 |
1969 | 14,958 |
1970 | 13,406 |
1971 | 11,469 |
1972 | 9,600 |
1973 | 8,477 |
1974 | 8,036 |
1975 | 7,053 |
1976 | 6,017 |
1977 | 5,904 |
1978 | 5,498 |
1979 | 5,650 |
1980 | 5,310 |
1981 | 5,284 |
1982 | 5,168 |
1983 | 4,926 |
1984 | 4,476 |
1985 | 4,402 |
1986 | 4,246 |
1987 | 3,913 |
1988 | 3,799 |
1989 | 3,604 |
1990 | 3,579 |
1991 | 3,419 |
1992 | 2,950 |
1993 | 2,659 |
1994 | 2,363 |
1995 | 2,161 |
1996 | 1,970 |
1997 | 1,781 |
1998 | 1,704 |
1999 | 1,532 |
2000 | 1,393 |
2001 | 1,224 |
2002 | 1,115 |
2003 | 1,011 |
2004 | 997 |
2005 | 880 |
2006 | 776 |
2007 | 728 |
2008 | 630 |
2009 | 565 |
2010 | 479 |
2011 | 431 |
2012 | 396 |
2013 | 419 |
2014 | 379 |
2015 | 351 |
2016 | 387 |
2017 | 308 |
2018 | 299 |
2019 | 281 |
2020 | 217 |
2021 | 212 |
2022 | 222 |
2023 | 202 |
2024 | 177 |