What Does the Name Patricia Mean?
Patricia is a girl's name of Latin origin meaning “noble, patrician.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Patricia |
|---|---|
| Gender | female |
| Origin | Latin |
| Meaning | noble, patrician |
| Variants | Patrice, Patsy, Patty, Tricia, Patrice |
| Popularity | A top US girls' name in the 1930s-1950s, peaking around 1950 |
The meaning and origin of Patricia
The name Patricia means “noble, patrician” and has Latin origins. The feminine form of the Latin Patricius, meaning 'nobleman' or 'of the patrician class.' It was popularized in part by Saint Patricia of Naples and gained wide use in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, often shortened to Pat or Patty.
Variants and related names
Patricia is related to several other names you may recognize: Patrice, Patsy, Patty, Tricia, Patrice. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Patricia?
A top US girls' name in the 1930s-1950s, peaking around 1950
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Patricia mean?+
The name Patricia means “noble, patrician” and is of Latin origin.
What is the origin of the name Patricia?+
Patricia originates from Latin.
Is Patricia a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Patricia has trended in the US over time.
Patricia by gender
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Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press