Origin and Meaning of Patricia

Noble woman

Origin: Latin - Derived from the Latin 'patricius', meaning 'noble' or 'nobleman'. The feminine form signifies a woman of noble birth.

• Patricia was popularized in the English-speaking world in the 19th century and has been a common name for girls ever since.
• In Spain and Latin American countries, the name Patricia is quite widespread and is often associated with the feast day of Saint Patrick.
• Notable bearers of the name include Patricia Arquette, an American actress, and Patricia Highsmith, a renowned American novelist known for her psychological thrillers.
• The name Patricia peaked in popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century, ranking among the top 10 names for girls from the 1930s to the 1960s.
• Variations of the name include Pat, Tricia, and Patrice, as well as international forms like Patricia (Spanish, Portuguese) and Patrizia (Italian).