What does Placida mean and where does it come from?
Placida is derived from the Latin word 'placidus', meaning 'calm' or 'quiet'. This name has been used in Spain and Italy, particularly during the medieval period. 'Placida' has also appeared in various literary works and religious texts. Notable figures include Placida De La Rosa, a significant Span
Cultural significance
Placida has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of calm, serene.
Peak popularity
Reached #1833 in 1899 — currently #1069 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spain-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Placida?
Placida works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Placida Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Placida Rose
Floral · soft ending
Placida Mae
Sweet · timeless
Placida Claire
French influence · crisp
Placida Jane
Literary · strong
Placida Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Placida right now?
Holding steady — currently #1069 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1069 | 1,131 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1074 | 1,111 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1079 | 1,081 | ▲ up 4923 · +21520% births |
| 1955 | #6002 | 5 | ▼ down 1642 |
| 1935 | #4360 | 5 | ▼ down 576 · -29% births |
| 1930 | #3784 | 7 | ▼ down 2 · -12% births |
| 1925 | #3782 | 8 | ▲ up 1345 · +60% births |
| 1920 | #5127 | 5 | ▼ down 2129 · -44% births |
| 1915 | #2998 | 9 | ▼ down 1103 · +13% births |
| 1910 | #1895 | 8 | — |
The story of Placida
Placida has been a beloved American name for over 125 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1899. With 158 total births recorded, Placida remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1895 in 1910 to #1069 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Placida in 1899:
Placida by decade
Placida peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 46 | |
| 1920s ★ | 66 | |
| 1930s | 25 | |
| 1940s | 6 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
💎Placida has only 158 total recorded births since 1899 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Placida?
Common
PlaPlacPlaciePlacyIda
What names sound and feel like Placida?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Placida also consider these
How is Placida written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Placida?
Common questions about the name Placida
What does the name Placida mean?
Placida means "calm, serene" — a name rooted in Spain tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Placida?
Placida is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Placida?
Placida originates from Spain tradition. Spain names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Placida?
Placida is a three-syllable name pronounced P L AA0 CH IY1 D AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Placida?
Placida pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spain heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.