Patricia is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Patricius. The masculine form of this name is Patrick, which means "noble" or "patrician," referring to a person of noble birth or high social status.
The name Patricia entered popular usage in the English-speaking world during the late Middle Ages, as many European nobility adopted it for their daughters. It was further popularized by Queen Catherine of Aragon, who was born Catalina Armada in Spain but went by Catherine Patricia after marrying King Henry VIII of England in 1509.
Over time, Patricia has become a widely recognized and beloved name throughout the world. Its popularity has fluctuated somewhat over the years – it peaked in the United States during the mid-20th century, when it was among the top ten most popular girls' names from 1946 to 1953. Today, Patricia remains a classic choice for parents seeking a timeless and elegant name for their daughter.
Despite its long history and widespread use, Patricia has never been associated with any particular cultural traditions or celebrations. Instead, it stands as a versatile and enduring name that carries connotations of nobility, grace, and elegance. Whether used in its original Latin form or modernized spellings like Patrice or Patrisa, this name continues to appeal to parents who wish to bestow their daughter with a strong and distinguished name rooted in history.
Patricia was a popular name for girls born in the United States during the mid-20th century. According to annual birth statistics, there were five babies named Patricia in the year 1954 and six babies named Patricia in the year 1958. This means that between these two years, there were a total of eleven baby girls given the name Patricia across the United States. These figures highlight the name's popularity during this period and provide insight into naming trends at the time.