Patricia is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It means "noble" or "patrician," derived from the Latin word "patricius," which refers to the first class of Roman citizens, those who were members of the aristocracy by birth. The name Patricia was popularized in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, with its peak popularity occurring in the 1940s and 1950s. Throughout history, several notable figures have borne this name, including American actresses such as Patricia Neal and Patricia Arquette, as well as British playwrights like Patricia Highsmith. Today, Patricia remains a classic and elegant choice for parents seeking a timeless name for their daughters.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Patricia has been consistently popular among parents in the United States over several decades, with a total of 215 births recorded between 1933 and 1986.
The name Patricia first appeared in the top ten most popular names for girls born in the U.S. in 1940, with seven births recorded that year. This popularity continued throughout the 1940s and 1950s, with a peak of eleven births recorded in 1964.
Interestingly, Patricia's popularity seemed to wane slightly in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with only five births recorded each year from 1968 to 1970. However, it rebounded in the mid-1970s, with seven births recorded in both 1974 and 1979.
Throughout this period, Patricia remained a popular choice among parents, with at least five births recorded each year between 1933 and 1986. This consistency is reflected in the total of 215 births recorded over this 53-year span.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that the name Patricia has been a timeless and enduring favorite among American parents for several generations.