Tricia is a charming and unique feminine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "O'Triath," which means "descendant of Thrice." The name Thrice is believed to have been an ancient Norse personal name, possibly meaning "thrice" or "three times."
The name Tricia gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. It was often used as a shortened form of other names such as Patricia, Theresa, or even Christina. However, it has since become a standalone name in its own right and is now recognized as an independent given name.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Tricia. One of the most famous is Patricia "Tricia" Nixon Cox, who was the daughter of former U.S. President Richard Nixon. She served as the First Daughter during her father's presidency from 1969 to 1974.
Another notable figure is Tricia Helfer, a Canadian actress and model best known for her role as Number Six in the reimagined Battlestar Galactica series. Her name has also been popularized by various other celebrities and public figures who have chosen it as their stage or professional moniker.
In recent years, the name Tricia has seen a resurgence in popularity among parents choosing names for their daughters. It continues to be associated with intelligence, strength, and charm, reflecting its Irish origins and the powerful women who have carried the name throughout history.
The name Tricia experienced a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years. Initially, there were only single-digit births per year from 1939 to around 1956. However, starting in 1957, there was a notable increase, reaching a peak of 924 births in 1968. This popularity continued until the late 1970s, with over 2600 births recorded in 1970 and around 3500 births in both 1971 and 1972.
After this peak, the name Tricia began a steady decline in usage. By the mid-1980s, there were fewer than 700 births per year, and this number continued to decrease throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s. The total number of births with the name Tricia from 1939 to 2023 is 40,122.