Patricia is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Patricius or its variant Patrick. The meaning of Patricia is "noble" or "of patrician rank," referring to the highest class of citizens in ancient Rome.
The name Patricia became popular during the Middle Ages in Europe, often used as a feminine form of the male name Patrick. However, it was not until the 20th century that Patricia gained widespread popularity as a given name for girls. In the United States, for example, it peaked in popularity during the 1940s and 1950s, reaching its highest rank of number two in 1947.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Patricia. One such figure is Saint Patricia, a martyr from the Roman Empire who was executed for her Christian faith in the late 3rd century AD. Her feast day is celebrated on August 25th.
Other famous Patricas include American actresses Patricia Neal and Patricia Arquette, British author Patricia Highsmith, and Australian tennis player Pat Cash. These individuals have contributed to the enduring popularity of the name Patricia, which continues to be a beloved choice for parents around the world today.
Patricia was a popular girl's name in the United States during the mid-20th century, with five babies given the name in 1965 alone. While this may not seem like a significant number today, it is important to consider that Patricia was one of many popular names for girls at that time. The total number of births in the United States in 1965 was also quite large, with over three million babies born that year. Therefore, being among the five girls named Patricia in that year suggests that this name was a distinctive choice for parents during this period.