Piccarda: a female name of Old French origin meaning "The name “Picardy” (which may have referred to a Frankish tribe of “Picards” or pike-bearers) was not used until the 12th or 13th century".It derives from the Old French word "Picardie".
Piccarda has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Old French roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "The name “Picardy” (which may have referred to a Frankish tribe of “Picards” or pike-bearers) was not used until the 12th or 13th century" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Piccarda
Quick facts about Piccarda
Origin
Old French
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Uncommon
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
The name “Picardy” (which may have referred to a Frankish tribe of “Picards” or pike-bearers) was not used until the 12th or 13th century. Picardy (French: Picardie) is a historical territory and a former administrative region of France. Since 1 January 2016, it is part of the new region Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie. It is located in the northern part of France. 1) Piccarda Bueri (1368–1433) was an Italian noblewoman of the Renaissance. She was the daughter of Edoardo Bueri, a member of a family of ancient lineage from Florence with economic interests in other cities; in fact, the family was in Verona in the first half of the fourteenth century when she was born. 2) Piccarda Donati was a 13th-century Italian noblewoman. She appears as a character in Dante’s classic Divine Comedy.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Picardie
How to Pronounce Piccarda
Piccarda is pronounced /piˈkar.da/(Italian)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Pic-car-da
Say it like: "PIC-CAR-DA"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
Usage & Popularity
Piccarda is predominantly used in italian speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
italian
Frequently Asked Questions About Piccarda
What does the name Piccarda mean?
Piccarda means "The name “Picardy” (which may have referred to a Frankish tribe of “Picards” or pike-bearers) was not used until the 12th or 13th century. Picardy (French: Picardie) is a historical territory and a former administrative region of France. Since 1 January 2016, it is part of the new region Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie. It is located in the northern part of France. 1) Piccarda Bueri (1368–1433) was an Italian noblewoman of the Renaissance. She was the daughter of Edoardo Bueri, a member of a family of ancient lineage from Florence with economic interests in other cities; in fact, the family was in Verona in the first half of the fourteenth century when she was born. 2) Piccarda Donati was a 13th-century Italian noblewoman. She appears as a character in Dante’s classic Divine Comedy.". The name comes from Picardie. This old french name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Piccarda for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "The name “Picardy” (which may have referred to a Frankish tribe of “Picards” or pike-bearers) was not used until the 12th or 13th century. Picardy (French: Picardie) is a historical territory and a former administrative region of France. Since 1 January 2016, it is part of the new region Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie. It is located in the northern part of France. 1) Piccarda Bueri (1368–1433) was an Italian noblewoman of the Renaissance. She was the daughter of Edoardo Bueri, a member of a family of ancient lineage from Florence with economic interests in other cities; in fact, the family was in Verona in the first half of the fourteenth century when she was born. 2) Piccarda Donati was a 13th-century Italian noblewoman. She appears as a character in Dante’s classic Divine Comedy." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Piccarda offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices.
What is the origin of the name Piccarda?
Piccarda is a old french name. The name traces back to Picardie. The name remains closely tied to italian naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The old french meaning "The name “Picardy” (which may have referred to a Frankish tribe of “Picards” or pike-bearers) was not used until the 12th or 13th century. Picardy (French: Picardie) is a historical territory and a former administrative region of France. Since 1 January 2016, it is part of the new region Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie. It is located in the northern part of France. 1) Piccarda Bueri (1368–1433) was an Italian noblewoman of the Renaissance. She was the daughter of Edoardo Bueri, a member of a family of ancient lineage from Florence with economic interests in other cities; in fact, the family was in Verona in the first half of the fourteenth century when she was born. 2) Piccarda Donati was a 13th-century Italian noblewoman. She appears as a character in Dante’s classic Divine Comedy." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Piccarda a boy or girl name?
Piccarda is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In old french tradition, Piccarda has historically been given to girls. The meaning "The name “Picardy” (which may have referred to a Frankish tribe of “Picards” or pike-bearers) was not used until the 12th or 13th century. Picardy (French: Picardie) is a historical territory and a former administrative region of France. Since 1 January 2016, it is part of the new region Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie. It is located in the northern part of France. 1) Piccarda Bueri (1368–1433) was an Italian noblewoman of the Renaissance. She was the daughter of Edoardo Bueri, a member of a family of ancient lineage from Florence with economic interests in other cities; in fact, the family was in Verona in the first half of the fourteenth century when she was born. 2) Piccarda Donati was a 13th-century Italian noblewoman. She appears as a character in Dante’s classic Divine Comedy." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Piccarda?
Piccarda is pronounced "/piˈkar.da/". This pronunciation follows it language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Piccarda is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with old french names, listening to a native speaker say Piccarda can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Piccarda?
Piccarda is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Piccarda gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Piccarda's popularity may vary between old french communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "The name “Picardy” (which may have referred to a Frankish tribe of “Picards” or pike-bearers) was not used until the 12th or 13th century. Picardy (French: Picardie) is a historical territory and a former administrative region of France. Since 1 January 2016, it is part of the new region Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie. It is located in the northern part of France. 1) Piccarda Bueri (1368–1433) was an Italian noblewoman of the Renaissance. She was the daughter of Edoardo Bueri, a member of a family of ancient lineage from Florence with economic interests in other cities; in fact, the family was in Verona in the first half of the fourteenth century when she was born. 2) Piccarda Donati was a 13th-century Italian noblewoman. She appears as a character in Dante’s classic Divine Comedy." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Piccarda holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Piccarda commonly used?
Piccarda is used primarily in italian naming traditions. Though old french in origin, Piccarda found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "The name “Picardy” (which may have referred to a Frankish tribe of “Picards” or pike-bearers) was not used until the 12th or 13th century. Picardy (French: Picardie) is a historical territory and a former administrative region of France. Since 1 January 2016, it is part of the new region Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie. It is located in the northern part of France. 1) Piccarda Bueri (1368–1433) was an Italian noblewoman of the Renaissance. She was the daughter of Edoardo Bueri, a member of a family of ancient lineage from Florence with economic interests in other cities; in fact, the family was in Verona in the first half of the fourteenth century when she was born. 2) Piccarda Donati was a 13th-century Italian noblewoman. She appears as a character in Dante’s classic Divine Comedy." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Piccarda into their naming traditions. A child named Piccarda will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Piccarda is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.